What if your document is in a different language than the issuing country? For example, if you need to use a birth certificate in Arabic issued in the UAE in Spain, you may ask: Can I apostille a foreign-language document? Yes — authorities can apostille documents in a foreign language, but the rules depend on the country issuing the Apostille.
Apostille authorities are primarily concerned with verifying the authenticity of the signature, stamp, and authority that issued the document—not its content. Even after apostilling a foreign-language document, you must provide a certified or sworn translation for the receiving country to accept it.
Apostille Services
- Purpose: To confirm the authenticity of a UK document, specifically its signature, seal, or stamp.
- Process: The legalisation office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issues the Apostille, attaching the certificate directly to your document.
- Recognition: Apostilles give your UK documents international recognition, making it easy to use them in another country.
Translation services convert your documents into the required foreign language so authorities abroad can understand them.
What is an apostille certificate?
An Apostille certifies your document, verifies its signature, stamp, or seal, and attaches directly to the requested document. An Apostille certificate can be issued for personal records like birth and marriage certificates, as well as educational documents, including diplomas, degrees, and matriculation certificates and company documents.
Apostille services are commonly required abroad for legal, business, work, or academic purposes. An apostille stamp in the UK is an official document issued by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to authenticate a document for use in another country.
Hague Convention Apostille
The process of apostilling documents follows the framework established by the Hague Convention of January 1961, effective from January 1965. The United Kingdom joined the Hague Convention in October 1961. Countries not party to the Hague Convention do not recognise the electronically used Hague Apostille.
The apostilles authenticate public documents, simplifying the process of international document certification. The process has made it easy for individuals and businesses to meet international legal requirements.
It acts as a universally recognised seal of approval, allowing authorities in another country to accept a document without further authentication, saving time and preventing legal hassles for international transactions.
The process of apostilling personal documents is advantageous in cases that would otherwise require certifications from the origin and destination states. The Hague Convention has abolished the latter requirement.
Apostille for foreign language document
It is possible to obtain an apostille for records written in a foreign language, but the certificate must be in the official language of the issuing country or translated into that language. The designated competent authority then affixes the Apostille by the regulations.
The following paragraphs explain the topic in more detail.
- Document Language: The document itself, whether it’s a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc can be in a foreign language.
- Apostille Language: The apostille stamp itself will be in English or French, as these are the official languages of the Hague Apostille Convention.
- Translation Requirements: If the document is in a foreign language and the country where you plan to use it requires the document to be in a specific language, you’ll need to provide a translation, often a certified translation, along with the apostilled document.
How can the Helpline Group in the UK help?
Helpline Group, backed by a strong and experienced team of over 300 professionals, brings over 25 years of expertise in certificate attestations, document apostillation, and the Apostille of personal documents, including birth and marriage certificates.
The members of the Helpline Group possess in-depth knowledge of the procedures, latest rules, and regulations, offering clients a seamless and hassle-free experience. With a global presence and a tailored approach, we handle the apostilling and translation of your records with precision and professionalism.