An Italian public document, such as a certificate or a court ruling, is not valid abroad on its own: the country receiving it wants proof that it is genuine. That is what the apostille is for.
What it is
It is an official stamp that certifies the signature of the official who issued the document. It is valid in the countries that joined the 1961 Hague Convention.
Who issues it in Italy
- Prefettura (Prefecture): for certificates from the Italian municipality, such as birth, residence and marriage, and for many administrative documents.
- Procura della Repubblica (Public Prosecutor's Office): for court certificates, such as the criminal record and pending charges, and for notarial and court deeds.
Countries that do not accept it
There you need consular legalization: first in Italy, then at the consulate of the destination country. It takes longer, so start early.
When the multilingual extract is enough
For birth, marriage and death there is a standard form in several languages that many countries accept without translation and often without apostille. Check this first: it can save time and money.
Translation
If the country wants the document in its own language you need a sworn translation. Watch the order: sometimes the apostille goes on the original before translating, sometimes on the translation too.
You don't need to travel to Italy
With a signed proxy form we request the document, get the apostille and ship the original to you by international courier with tracking.
