If you have to present a certain document to a foreign authority, for example, a marriage certificate or a birth certificate, the authority may require confirmation of the authenticity of the document in addition to a certified translation. This over-authentication or apostille confirms both the authenticity of the signature of the notary and of the stamp or seal with which the document was affixed.

At the Hague Conference on Private International Law of 1961, the apostille was introduced as a form of certification for the exemption of public foreign documents from special legalization. The number of member states of the agreement is currently 108. In these countries, you do not need any further confirmation from an embassy or consulate for the documents to be recognized if they are submitted together with an apostille. In all other countries, the responsible diplomatic missions or consulates must reconfirm the legalization.

According to the Hague Conference, apostilles have considerably simplified legal transactions between the member states and now enable quick and unbureaucratic solutions in international relations that contribute their part to globalization.

As an ISO-certified translation agency for recognized notarized translations, we support you and obtain the correct apostille for you. We check the national and international requirements for you and agree with the local notary’s office.

We have been translating and certifying for consulates, embassies and offices as well as chambers of commerce, notaries and state chancelleries for over 10 years. We, therefore, know exactly what their requirements are. Your documents are in good hands with us.

Note: Our service practice for certified translations is based on our many years of experience and the Swiss standard. This procedure is usually sufficient. For further or specific requirements, please contact the recipient of your documents for information. For questions we are at your disposal.