Apostilles: Is your Destination Country a Hague Convention Country?

Traveling abroad for employment, establishing a business or higher education is an exciting journey in itself. It comes with its opportunities as well as challenges. One such challenge is collecting all the required documents for your emigration to a new country. While some countries accept attested files, the Hague Convention of 1961 countries requires you to get your essential documents apostilled.

What is the Hague Convention of 1961?

The International Court of Justice is based in Hauge. Not only that, but it is also the Netherlands’ administrative centre.

The Hague Convention of 1961 is a significantly famous conventions in history related to legalization, and it simplified the use of documents. It was formally named ‘Abolishing the Requirement of Legislation for Foreign Public Documents’, although it is most recognized by ‘Apostille Convention’.

This convention resulted in the authentication of public documents without enacting any legalization and was signed by more than 100 countries. Now, you no longer have to get your documents signed by the country’s consular or diplomatic service to prove their authentication. If you are traveling to any of the Hague Convention countries, all you have to do is get your papers apostilled.

Which Countries are a Part of the Hague Convention?

You might be asking, what does ‘Hague Convention countries mean?’

In simple words, it means those countries that are signatories that can certify documents for use if issued by another member. However, the list of Hague Convention 2021 countries is exhaustive, so here are just a few names for your enlightenment:

  • India
  • Dominican Republic
  • Albania
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Bahrain
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • Bulgaria
  • Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Egypt
  • Estonia
  • France
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Israel
  • Mexico
  • Russian Federation
  • South Africa
  • Spain

If you cannot find your country in the list mentioned above, you can refer to the entire list of The Hague Convention countries on worldpopularionreview.com.

What is the Significance of Apostilles?

Now that you have understood the apostilles countries meaning let’s comprehend its significance. 

For instance, you are moving to Germany for employment. However, as Germany is a part of the Hague Convention, you do not have to get your documents attested from Embassy. This is because an apostille is regarded as the topmost level of legalization.

If the apostille is older than six months, it is always best to get it done again to avoid hassles or delays.

Who can Apostille your Documents?

According to the US government, before you submit your documents for authentications, they must be notarized in front of the notary public. However, two separate procedures need to be followed. It also depends on whether it is commissioned through the country or state. It is explained in-depth below:

  1. Country: Your documents first have to be certified by the clerk of the court (where the notary is commissioned). After that, the Secretary of State has to approve them.
  2. State: The Secretary of State certification will be enough in this case. If it requires the approval of both, then dates should reflect this mentioned order.

So, if you are planning to move to any of the Hague convention country of 1961 countries, remember that your documents need to be authenticated. And do not forget to cater to the eligibility criteria and requirements.