Apostille or legalisation: what is the difference?

An apostille is a form of legalisation

Legalisation is used to authenticate a document for use in another country. It concerns matters such as who issued the document and whether a signature, seal or stamp is genuine. It does not confirm that the document’s content is correct.

An apostille simplifies this process where the Apostille Convention applies. A competent authority in the place of origin issues the apostille. This replaces the traditional chain of legalisation for documents covered by the Convention.

When another legalisation procedure is needed

If the apostille route does not apply, a document may need a different legalisation procedure involving more than one authority. The steps depend on the document and the countries involved. Do not assume that every request follows the same sequence.

There are also exemptions. Some documents can be used abroad without legalisation, including certain public documents covered by agreements between countries. Check the requirements for your document and destination before arranging stamps or translations.

Check the document, country and recipient

Start with the type of document, the country where it was issued, the destination and the organisation requesting it. Ask that organisation what it needs, including any rules about the document’s date, language or format.

For Dutch documents, use the official NetherlandsWorldwide guidance for the document and destination. For a foreign document being used in the Netherlands, follow the guidance for its country of issue. A Dutch apostille cannot be issued for a document from another country.

Translation is a separate requirement

An apostille does not translate a document. The recipient may also require a sworn translation. Ask whether it needs the original document, the translation or both, and whether any additional authentication is required.

Share the recipient’s instructions before ordering. This helps avoid arranging a translation or legalisation step that does not match the intended use. For the next steps, read how document legalisation works and which documents may need an apostille.

Arrange the applicable steps with Urgent Vertalen

Our document legalisation service helps arrange the applicable steps for Dutch documents and sworn translations made in the Netherlands. You have one team to contact about the translation and legalisation work.

Request your no-obligation quote with the document type, issuing country, destination and any instructions you have received. We will discuss the scope, price and timing for your request.

Official guidance

Read NetherlandsWorldwide’s explanation of legalisation and guidance on whether an apostille is needed. The HCCH Apostille Section provides information about the Convention and competent authorities.