What the apostille is for
The apostille is a formality under the 1961 Hague Convention. It confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal of a Swiss public official, so that the document is recognised in the other States party to the Convention. For a translation, the apostille covers the notary's legalisation, which in turn covers the translator's signature.
Why the apostille remains on paper
There is not yet an electronic apostille in Switzerland: the State Chancelleries require the physical original. A translation with an apostille is therefore always delivered on paper. If you also need a digital version for an online submission, order both versions.
The procedure
- We translate and certify your document.
- Our notary legalises the translator's signature.
- We submit the document to the State Chancellery for the apostille.
- You receive the apostilled original by post, in about 72 hours.
Countries that do not apply the apostille
Some countries are not party to the Hague Convention and require chain legalisation, all the way to the embassy or consulate of the country concerned. Tell us the destination country and we will tell you which procedure applies.
Do I need an apostille for use in Switzerland?
Do consulates accept the digital format?
Generally not. Consulates and embassies usually require a paper original, sometimes with an apostille.