Apostille Services
Apostille Services
What is an Apostille?
As of January 11, 2024, Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents — a multilateral treaty whose main purpose is to facilitate the circulation of public documents (e.g., birth certificates, corporate powers of attorney, diplomas, etc.) issued by one country to be used in another.
Hague Apostille Convention Requirements
Joining the Hague Apostille Convention has resulted in the following changes to document authentication services in Ontario: Documents in languages other than English and French must be: • Issued within Canada • Notarized by an Ontario notary public • Accompanied by a translation Translation Option 1: Issued by a Certified Canadian Translator — a certified translation is certified by a member of a recognized provincial translation association. Translation Option 2: Attestation of a translation by an Ontario notary public who speaks English or French and the language in which the document was written. They must attest to speaking English or French and the other language, and certify the accuracy of the translation.
How the Apostille Process Works in Canada
Submit documents to NotaryZen for Apostille certification
Have your document notarized by NotaryZen
NotaryZen will submit your documents for Apostille to the appropriate authorities.
NotaryZen manages the certification process
The authenticating government agency certifies the Apostille and attaches it to the document, making it valid in Hague Convention countries without needing further legalization. Your documents are returned to you notarized, authenticated, and legalized for international use.
When Do You Need an Apostille?
If you are travelling to a Hague signatory country, your notarized documents will be issued apostilles (Government Authentication of Canadian documents for foreign use) which may not require further legalization at consulates or embassies. Please check with the relevant consulate, embassy, and end destination recipient for their document requirements.