The Hague Apostille is a simplified method of legalizing documentation internationally. This article explains, step by step, what an apostille consists of, which are the countries that use the Hague Apostille, as well as the details of the agreement to which they are adhered, called the Hague Convention. And finally, where can it be apostilled and what is it requested for.

What is the Hague Apostille?

The Hague Apostille is a simple procedure that facilitates the circulation of authentic documents within the member countries of the Convention. This procedure consists of adding an apostille to the public document that certifies its validity before leaving its country of origin and allows the circulation of the documentation in the rest of the adhered countries, without losing its validity. In this way, forgeries are avoided and the procedures to be carried out with the apostilled documentation are streamlined.

In some countries, the Hague Apostille also includes a QR reader to corroborate authentication electronically. USA and other countries such as Panama, Ecuador and Chile, already use it.

What is Apostille?

Apostille means to put an apostille. The word apostille means note or annotation. In relation to the Hague Convention, the Apostille action means including an annotation as an additional page to the original document, thus attesting to its authenticity. This page is called the Hague Apostille.

When we speak of Apostille, in this sense, we are referring to using this simplified method of legalization of documents so that it is recognized in another country that is a member of the Agreement as authentic, and the desired procedures can be carried out.

Hague Convention

The Hague Apostille Convention facilitates the circulation of authentic and truthful public documents, issued in a country belonging to this convention, to be presented in another country of the Hague Convention itself without losing authenticity. Therefore, it speeds up the authentication of the document without having to carry out long and costly formalities by both parties with the simple issuance of an Apostille.

Who can apply for the Hague Apostille?

The Hague Apostille can be requested by anyone who has a public document whose authenticity they wish to certify before the documentation leaves the country of origin without losing its validity when leaving the country.