A certified translation with an apostille attached, ready for use abroad. We apostille the translation itself – not your original document. Valid in all 125+ Hague Convention countries.
Start Your OrderPrice is per single standard-page document. Multi-page documents quoted individually. We apostille the certified translation we produce – not your original document. If you need your original document apostilled separately, contact us for a quote.
We handle the apostille process from start to finish. You upload your document – we translate, certify, and obtain the official apostille attached to the translation we produce. We do not apostille your original document.
An apostille is an official certificate that authenticates a public document so it is legally recognised in another country. The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961 created this single, standardised authentication that replaces the older multi-step chain of consular legalisation. If both the issuing country and the destination country are members of the Hague Convention, an apostille is the only authentication needed.
The apostille is a small printed or stamped certificate (typically about A4) attached to the back of the document. It verifies the signature, the capacity in which the signer acted, and where applicable the seal or stamp on the document. It does not certify the content of the document – only its authenticity as a public document from its country of origin.
Important: we apostille the certified translation we produce, not your original document. Many customers ask us to apostille the original document itself – that is a separate process handled by the authority of the country that issued the original. What we deliver is your translation, certified by a professional translator, with an apostille attached to that translation. The receiving authority then has both: your original document (or a copy of it) and an officially apostilled translation of it.
An apostille is completely different from a certified translation. A certified translation converts a document from one language to another and is required when a foreign-language document must be understood by the receiving authority. An apostille authenticates a document for cross-border use. Many situations require both: a foreign-language document going to a Hague Convention country usually needs to be both translated and apostilled.
If your translation is only being used domestically – within the same country where it was produced – an apostille is not required. Apostilles exist specifically for international document submission.
| Your Requirement | Certified Translation | Notarized Translation | Apostille + Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic use within your country | ✓ Sufficient | Rarely required | Not required |
| Foreign government / embassy (Hague country) | Often not accepted alone | Not sufficient | ✓ Required |
| Foreign citizenship or residency application | Usually not sufficient | Not sufficient | ✓ Required |
| Overseas university admissions | Depends on the country | Not sufficient | ✓ Usually required |
| Property purchase abroad | Depends on the country | Not sufficient | ✓ Usually required |
| Bank account opening abroad | May not be accepted | ✓ Often required | Often required |
This table is based on our work experience and general practice. We always recommend confirming the exact requirements with the requesting authority before submitting your documents. Not sure which service you need? Contact us and we will advise you.
The 1961 Hague Apostille Convention has been ratified by 125+ countries. An apostille on your certified translation means it will be recognised as authentic by authorities in all member countries. Popular destinations where apostilled translations are commonly required include:
Our apostille service covers all Hague Convention member countries. If you are unsure whether your destination country is a member, contact us before placing your order. For countries that are not Hague Convention members, authentication uses a different multi-step process (consular legalisation) – contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Official Translations provides professional apostilled translation services for individuals and businesses sending documents to Hague Convention countries. Our end-to-end service covers the complete process: certified translation produced by a qualified professional translator, notarisation, and the official apostille certificate attached to the translation. We do not apostille your original document – only the translation we produce.
Our apostilled translation service is commonly used by people moving abroad, applying for foreign residency or citizenship, completing property transactions in Hague Convention countries, enrolling at overseas universities, and operating internationally. Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, diplomas, death certificates, divorce decrees, and powers of attorney.
An apostille and a certified translation serve completely different purposes. A certified translation converts a document into the language the receiving authority needs to read. An apostille is an international authentication used when a document is being submitted to a government authority in another Hague Convention country. Most submissions to foreign authorities in non-English-speaking countries require both: a certified translation, and an apostille attached to that translation.
We translate documents into 100+ languages. Whether you need a Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Arabic, or any other-language translation prepared for apostille submission to a Hague Convention authority, our professional translators deliver accurate, certified translations ready for the apostille process. For advice on whether your destination country requires an apostille and which language to translate into, contact us with your document details.
Get an apostille on your certified translation for citizenship applications, permanent residency, and official use abroad. Valid in 125+ Hague Convention countries.
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