Apostille Service 
Which Documents Must Be Apostilled?

In a highly globalized economy, document authentication is the backbone of procuring individual, educational, and business documents overseas lawfully. The most common method of authentication is the procurement of an apostille, i.e., proof of authentication for the purpose of utilizing documents in countries where the Hague Apostille Convention applies. This blog provides a comprehensive list of documents commonly requiring an apostille in 2025 and what they signify.

What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a government notarization by a government authority authenticating the document for foreign use. It simplifies legalization by excluding further attestation by signatory states of the Hague Convention of 1961 embassies and consulates.

Types of Documents Which Need to Be Apostilled

1. Personal Documents

Personal documents typically consist of immigration, visa application, marriage registration, and other government services abroad. Most typical personal documents that need to be apostilled are:

Birth certificates

Marriage certificates

Divorce decrees

Death certificates

Affidavits and notarized documents

Power of attorney

Police clearance certificates (PCC)

Adoption documents

Medical certificates

2. Educational Documents

Educational documents of applicants for further study, work permits, or professional courses abroad will normally require apostillisation. The documents are:

Diplomas and degrees

Transcripts and mark sheets

School leaving certificates

Training or professional course certificates

3. Commercial and Business Documents

Foreign business development, entry into foreign markets, or establishment of foreign offices in foreign business development involve some corporate documents being apostilled. Some of the most important commercial documents that need an apostille are:

Certificate of incorporation

Memorandum and Articles of Association

Commercial licenses

Board resolutions

Commercial transactions power of attorney

Tax registration certificates

Commercial invoices and bills of lading (foreign trade)

4. Court and Legal Documents

Apostilling can be required for court and legal documents, including those submitted in court cases, conveyance of property, or other foreign country legal proceedings. These include:

Court decisions

Probates and wills

Property purchase debts and real estate acquisitions

Notarized contracts

5. Visa and Immigration Documents

For work permit applicants to foreign countries, residence, or citizenship, the documents typically to be apostilled are:

Work permit certificates

Immigration visas

Sponsorship letters

Employment contracts

How to Get an Apostille?

Obtaining an apostille is a procedure in every country but usually includes the following:

Prepare the Document: Have the document properly signed according to law or otherwise notarized if required.

Submit to the Designated Authority: A majority of states have specific authorities that issue an apostille, for instance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, office of the Secretary of State, or Notary Public department.

Authentication and Issuance of Apostille: Signature by the appointing authority, and the certificate of apostille shall be stamped.

Use the Document Anywhere in the Globe: Once apostilled, the document is legally accepted anywhere in the Hague Convention signatory countries.

Conclusion

It is valuable to know about the documents required an apostille for business persons and those engaging in business across borders. In order to visit abroad to learn, start an enterprise, or practice law elsewhere, an apostille authenticates your documents. By 2025, with computerized apostille becoming commonplace, it is likely to be even faster and easier and La Classe’s Apostille in India do it at the earliest. Contact us today.