---
title: "Italian apostille: when you need it and how to get it from abroad"
url: https://praticaexpress.it/en/italian-apostille-from-abroad
description: "Need to use an Italian document in another country? When you need the apostille, who issues it and when the multilingual extract is enough."
updated: 2026-11-03T08:24:39+01:00
---

# Italian apostille: when you need it and how to get it from abroad

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.

[We take care of your apostille →](https://praticaexpress.it/en/apostille-prefettura)