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Document types

Birth certificate, marriage certificate, diploma, criminal record extract, power of attorney, commercial register and other cases. This page explains the practice without official German and points out the most common stumbling blocks.

Civil status certificates

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, proof of singleness, divorce decrees and confirmations of residence are among the most common cases. Target offices often require current copies, not old family books or copies.

Education and career

Diplomas, certificates, certificates of study, transcripts of records and professional certificates are not always directly apostille-capable. Often what you need first is the school, college, educational authority, notary or a certified copy.

Criminal records and migration

Criminal record extracts, certificates of residence, migration documents and work permit documents usually have to be up to date. Many places accept documents that are only a few months old.

Company documents

Commercial register extracts, statutes, powers of attorney, resolutions, proof of good standing and signing authorizations require a verifiable official or notarial signature. Private company stamps are usually not enough.

Private documents

Contracts, invoices, letters, declarations of consent or self-written powers of attorney will not be apostilled because of their content. First, a signature, copy or statement must be publicly certified.

Medical documents

Medical certificates, vaccination certificates and veterinary documents often require prior official confirmation, for example from the responsible cantonal authorities. The target authority should specify the form.

Passport and ID

ID cards themselves are usually not apostilled. An officially or notarized copy is usual, the certification of which can then be over-certified if the destination office accepts this.

Multiple documents

Do not plan on using a collective apostille if each document has its own signature. Many authorities charge and prepare separately for each original signature or document.

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.