FAQs

How do I get an Apostille for my Canadian document?

We will need to submit your document to a designated competent authority in Canada, which will issue the Apostille. This process usually involves verifying the document's authenticity and attaching the Apostille certificate.

What documents can be Apostilled in Canada?

Documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational documents, court orders, and commercial documents can be Apostilled for international recognition in member countries of the Convention.

Do all countries accept Apostilled documents?

Only countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention recognize Apostilled documents. For countries not part of the Convention, a different legalization process is required.

What is the Hague Apostille Convention?

The Hague Apostille Convention is an international treaty simplifying the process of legalizing documents for international use. It allows a document issued in one signatory country to be legally recognized in another, through a certification known as an 'Apostille.' Canada joined this convention in 2023 and which came into effect on January 11, 2024.

Is an Apostille the same as a notarization?

No, an Apostille is different from notarization. Notarization certifies the authenticity of signatures on a document, while an Apostille certifies the origin of the document itself for international use.

What are your opening hours and which holidays are you closed?

Global Document Solutions is open Monday through Friday and serves customers from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. For phone support, call 1-800-336-1132 to speak to one of our friendly experts. If you need to reach us outside opening hours, it is best to send us an e-mail. Below are the holidays for 2024 that

Can I Apostille or Authenticate and Legalize a copy of my Power of Attorney?

No, it is not possible to Apostille or Authenticate and Legalize a photocopy or digital replica of a Power of Attorney since it is not the original document, but merely a duplicate. In order to apostille or authenticate and legalize a Power of Attorney, it must be an original copy that has been solemnly sworn

Countries that you will need to use the Apostille Process

The countries that will request that you get an Apostille include: A Albania Andorra Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burundi C Cabo Verde Canada Chile Colombia Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic D Denmark

Countries that you will need to use the Authentication and Legalization Process

List of Countries you will need to use the Authentication and Legalization Process for a Canadian Document For your reference, we have provided a list of countries that have not ratified the Apostille Convention. It is your responsibility to verify the accuracy of this information. Afghanistan Algeria Angola Bangladesh Benin Bhutan Burkina Faso Cambodia Cameroon

Which other documents might I need to get an Apostille or Authenticated and Legalized with my Birth Certificate?

Additional Document Authentication and Legalization Requirements for Foreign Use Depending on the purpose of your Birth Certificate in a foreign country, it may be necessary to apostille or authenticate and legalize additional documents such as Marriage Certificates, Divorce Certificates, Police Checks, University Degrees, and more. To ensure compliance with the requirements of the requesting party,

What countries request an Apostille?

The countries that will request that you get an Apostille include: A Albania Andorra Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burundi C Cabo Verde Canada Chile Colombia Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic D Denmark

What other documents might I need to get Apostilled or Authenticated and Legalized with my Marriage Certificate?

Dependent on the purpose of the Marriage Certificate in the foreign country, you might need to get your Birth Certificate, Divorce Certificate, Police Check, University Degree and other documents also Apostilled or Authenticated and Legalized. You will first need to confirm with the requesting party in the foreign country which additional documents you will need to provide with your

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