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Apostille on original documents

Which original documents can be apostilled and when pre-certification is necessary first. This page explains the practice without official German and points out the most common stumbling blocks.

What counts as original

For an apostille, the authority usually needs an original official signature, seal or stamp that it can check. A scan, photo or simple printout is rarely enough.

Original, copy and certified copy

A certified copy only confirms that the copy matches the original submitted. This may be sufficient if the destination accepts certified copies. However, for many procedures abroad, the original or a new official copy is required.

Public document or private declaration

Civil status certificates, court documents and register extracts are typical public documents. Private contracts, declarations of consent or company letters usually require a notary or authority first.

Do not separate, do not re-tack

If the apostille and the document have been linked, this connection should not be severed. Subsequent pages, new translations or loose inserts may mean that the package is no longer accepted.

When a new copy is better

When it comes to civil status, criminal records, commercial registers or place of residence, a new official copy is often cleaner than an old document with a copy. Many destinations want up-to-date documents and keep originals.

Plan document packages correctly

If the original, apostille and translation are submitted together, it should be clear in advance whether the translation must be firmly linked and whether the apostille will be fully translated.

Practical exam

Which country and which specific destination?
Original, certified copy or private declaration?
Apostille, legalization or just a certified translation?
Does the apostille have to be translated itself?
How current does the basic document have to be?

Questions about this topic

Frequent detailed questions

Which documents can I have apostilled?

In principle, public documents or officially or notarized processes come into question: civil status documents, court documents, notarial deeds, extracts from the commercial register, extracts from the criminal register, confirmations of residence or certain diplomas.

Can I have a copy apostilled?

For the authenticity of a document, the authority usually needs a physical original with an original official signature. A certified copy only confirms compliance with a copy and is not always accepted abroad.

Can an extract from the commercial register be apostilled?

Yes, if it has been correctly issued or certified by the relevant commercial register or official office. For private company signatures, notarization is often required first.

Can a diploma be apostilled?

Often yes, but not always directly. Often you first need confirmation from the educational authority, school, university, notary or responsible office.

Can an extract from the criminal record be apostilled?

Yes, if it was issued by the responsible authority and the responsible apostille office can check the signature.

Can a birth, marriage or death certificate be apostilled?

Yes. Civil status certificates are among the most common documents for apostille and certified translation.

Can a power of attorney be apostilled?

Yes, if it has been notarized or is available as a public document. A simple privately signed power of attorney usually needs the notary first.

Can a doctor's certificate be apostilled?

Often only after prior official or notarial confirmation. Depending on the canton, a medical or cantonal medical office may be involved.

Can a passport or ID be apostilled?

Identification documents are usually not apostilled directly. Often a notarized or officially certified copy is created and this confirmation is over-certified.

Can a private document be apostilled?

A private document such as a contract, invoice or letter is not automatically eligible for apostille. In most cases, a signature, copy or declaration must first be notarized or officially certified.

Can a certificate of singleness or a certificate of residence be apostilled?

Yes, if it was issued by a competent authority with a verifiable official original signature.

Can multiple documents receive a single apostille?

In most cases, a separate authentication is required for each official original signature or document. Stitching multiple documents together is not always possible or accepted.

Can an apostilled document be supplemented later?

Normally no. If pages, translations or notes are added, the destination office must say whether a new apostille or new translation is necessary.

How long is an apostille valid?

The apostille itself does not normally expire. However, many recipients require a current basic document, perhaps not older than three or six months.