What is an apostille, and when do documents need legalising?
An apostille is a certificate confirming that a public document is genuine, so another country will accept it. It does not verify the content — only that the signature, seal or stamp on it is authentic.
The problem it solves. A foreign official has no way to know whether a birth certificate, degree or notarial act from your country is real. Historically this required a chain of authentications ending at the destination country's embassy — slow and expensive. The Hague Apostille Convention replaced that chain with a single certificate that all member states accept.
When you typically need one: marrying abroad; applying for a foreign work or residence visa; registering a birth or death abroad; proving qualifications to a foreign employer or regulator; adoption; setting up a company overseas; and dealing with an estate in another country.
What can be apostilled. Public documents: civil registration certificates, court documents, notarial acts, and official certifications on private documents. A private document — a contract, a letter, a translation — generally must first be notarised or certified, which converts it into something carrying an official signature that can then be apostilled.
The process is usually: obtain an official or certified copy; have it notarised or certified if needed; submit it to the designated competent authority — commonly the foreign ministry; receive the apostille attached or stamped.
Where an apostille is not enough. If the destination country is not a party to the Convention, you need the older route: authentication by your authorities followed by consular legalisation at that country's embassy. Always check the destination's requirements first.
Common traps:
Translations. Many countries require a certified or sworn translation, sometimes done in the destination country, sometimes itself apostilled.
Age limits, with some authorities refusing documents issued more than three or six months earlier.
Photocopies, which are frequently rejected — originals or officially certified copies are usually required.
Electronic apostilles are now accepted by many states.
General information, not legal advice; requirements vary by country.