The Hague Apostille Convention, or simply the Apostille Convention, is an international treaty that simplifies the legalization of documents among its member countries. The convention was signed on October 5, 1961, in The Hague, Netherlands, and became effective in 1965. The primary aim of the convention is to abolish the requirement for multiple steps in the legalization of documents issued in one member country so that they can be accepted in another member country.
How Was It Done Before?
Before the apostille system, an international document underwent a cumbersome and costly authentication process that often involved multiple government bodies and consulates. This procedure was known as “legalization,” and it could be both time-consuming and expensive.
What Is an Apostille?
The term “apostille” comes from the French word “apostille,” meaning a notation. In the context of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is essentially a certificate attached to an original document or to a translation, validating the signature and position of the signatory and, in some instances, the authenticity of the seal or stamp on the document.
Hague Apostille Seal in Brazil
In Brazil, the apostille is executed in notary offices authorized by the National Justice Council (CNJ). The seal is an adhesive label placed on the back of the original document or on an additional page, containing information such as the date, the name of the signatory, among others. It’s important to note that the seal is only applied in the country where the document was issued, as well as on its official translations. You can check the list of notaries authorized to perform apostilles on the CNJ website.
Member Countries by Continent
Europe: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Greece, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Malta, Cyprus, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg.
Americas: United States, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, Honduras, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Nicaragua, El Salvador.
Asia: Japan, Israel, India, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong (China).
Africa: South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia.
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
Provisions for Travelers
If you are carrying apostilled documentation and face questions about its authenticity, the first step is to contact local authorities, as the convention is law in all member countries. If you still encounter issues, you may seek assistance from the embassy or consulate of your home country. There are no specific international bodies to handle apostille issues, as the competence to resolve such matters falls upon the national authorities of each member country.
In summary, the Hague Apostille has revolutionized the way documents and their translations are legalized for international use, making the process more efficient and less time-consuming. This has a significant impact, particularly in an increasingly globalized world.
