Countries That Require Apostille: A Comprehensive List
When dealing with international document authentication, knowing which countries require an apostille is essential. The Hague Apostille Convention, established in 1961, created a standardized process to validate documents across borders. If you plan to study, work, marry, conduct business, or immigrate abroad, obtaining an apostille ensures your documents are legally recognized in your destination country.
For expert assistance in apostille services, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in a Hague Apostille Convention member country. This streamlined process eliminates the need for embassy legalization, simplifying cross-border document authentication.
Common Documents That Require an Apostille
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates (CDC Vital Records)
- Diplomas and transcripts (U.S. Department of Education)
- FBI background checks (FBI Identity History Summary)
- Business contracts and corporate documents (California Secretary of State)
- Power of attorney and legal documents (American Bar Association)
Complete List of Countries That Require Apostille
Below is a comprehensive list of Hague Convention member countries that recognize apostilles as a valid form of document authentication.
A
- Albania
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia (Australian Government Apostille Services)
- Austria
B
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil (Brazilian Ministry of External Relations)
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
C
- Cape Verde
- Chile
- China (Only Hong Kong and Macau)
- Colombia (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Colombia)
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
D
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
E
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
F
- Fiji
- Finland
- France (French Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
G
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
H
- Honduras
- Hungary
I
- Iceland
- India (Ministry of External Affairs India)
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
J
K
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
L
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
M
- Malawi
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico (Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
N
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand (New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade)
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Norway
O
- Oman
P
- Pakistan (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines (Department of Foreign Affairs Philippines)
- Poland
- Portugal
R
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Republic of Moldova
- Romania
- Russia (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia)
S
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
T
- Tajikistan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey (Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
U
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom (UK Legalisation Office)
- United States (U.S. Department of State)
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
V
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Venezuela)
Countries That Do Not Recognize Apostille
If your destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents may require embassy or consular legalization instead. Countries that require embassy legalization include:
- Canada (Global Affairs Canada)
- China (Mainland) (Chinese Embassy Legalization)
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Qatar
- Egypt
- Vietnam
Expedited Apostille Services with Orange County Apostille
At Orange County Apostille, we provide:
- Same-day and 24-hour apostille processing
- State and federal document authentication
- Embassy legalization services for non-Hague countries
For reliable document authentication, contact Orange County Apostille today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does the Apostille Process Take?
- State Apostilles: 5-10 business days (expedited available)
- Federal Apostilles: 3-6 weeks (expedited available)
What If My Destination Country Is Not a Hague Convention Member?
- Documents must go through embassy legalization instead of an apostille.
Do Apostilles Expire?
- Apostilles do not expire, but some countries require recently issued documents.
Conclusion
Understanding which countries require an apostille is essential for ensuring your documents are recognized internationally. By following the correct authentication process, you can avoid unnecessary delays and legal complications.
For expert guidance and fast processing, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today!
