The Philippines became a member of the Hague Apostille Convention in 2019. This international treaty simplifies the process of authenticating Philippine public documents for use in other member countries. An apostille, a special seal attached to the document, verifies its authenticity and eliminates the need for further legalization by the embassy of the destination country.
Who Needs an Apostille?
An apostille is required for any Philippine public document you intend to use abroad, apostille philippines such as:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Educational diplomas and transcripts
Certificates of No Marriage Record
Certificates of No Criminal Record
Business documents (depending on the document and purpose)
Important Points to Remember
The apostille convention only applies to member countries. You can find a list of member countries on the website of the Hague Conference on Private International Law
https://www.gsccca.org/notary-and-apostilles/apostilles/hague-apostille-country-list.
There are a few exceptions. Even for member countries, some documents, like powers of attorney, may require additional steps.
Austria, Finland, Germany, and Greece have raised objections to the Philippines' accession to the convention. Documents for these countries may require additional legalization procedures.
The
apostille requirements Process
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) is the authorized agency for issuing apostilles in the Philippines. Here's a breakdown of the general process:
1.Gather your requirements.
oThe original document you want apostilled.
oA completed Apostille Submission Checklist and Declaration Form (downloadable from the DFA website).
oA photocopy of your valid government ID with three specimen signatures.
oIn some cases, a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) if someone else is applying on your behalf. (Requirements may vary depending on the document type, so it's best to check the DFA website for specific details.)
2.Submit your application. The DFA OCA has offices in Manila and accepts applications through their regional extension offices and accredited service providers. You can find a list of these on the DFA website.
3.Pay the applicable fees. The current fee for an apostille is Php 1,000. Additional fees may
apply depending on the type of document and urgency of processing.
4.Claim your apostilled document. Processing times can vary, apostille philippines so check with the DFA OCA for current wait times.
Additional Tips
Ensure your documents are properly issued and authenticated by the issuing agency in the Philippines before applying for an apostille.
Double-check the requirements for the specific document and the destination country.
Consider using accredited service providers to assist you with the process, especially if you are not located near a DFA office.
The apostille process streamlines document authentication for Filipinos using public documents abroad. By understanding the requirements and following the steps, you can obtain the apostille efficiently and ensure the validity of your documents in the destination country. Remember, for the latest information and any updates on the apostille process, it's always recommended to visit the official Department of Foreign Affairs website.