As international mobility continues to increase in 2025, understanding which countries require apostilled documents is crucial for anyone planning to work, study, or relocate abroad. Here's our comprehensive guide to the top 10 countries that require apostille authentication and what you need to know about each.

1. Germany

Common Requirements: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational diplomas, police clearance certificates

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international professionals and students. German authorities are particularly strict about document authentication, and apostilles are mandatory for virtually all foreign documents. Educational credentials must be apostilled and often require certified translations into German by a sworn translator (beeidigter Übersetzer).

Special Note: Germany's recognition process for foreign qualifications can be complex. The apostille is just the first step—you may also need to have your credentials evaluated by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or relevant professional bodies.

Processing Tip: Start the apostille process at least 8-10 weeks before your planned move, as German bureaucracy can be time-consuming.

2. Spain

Common Requirements: Birth certificates, criminal background checks, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, power of attorney documents

Spain requires apostilles for most foreign documents, especially for visa applications, work permits, and university enrollment. The country has specific requirements for different visa types—student visas, work visas, and residency applications each have their own document lists.

Special Note: Spain requires that apostilled documents be issued within the last three months for certain applications, particularly visa and residency permits. Plan accordingly to avoid document expiration.

Processing Tip: Spanish consulates are known for thorough document reviews. Ensure all apostilles are clearly visible and properly attached to avoid delays.

3. Italy

Common Requirements: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, educational diplomas, criminal records

Italy's bureaucratic system (known locally as "la burocrazia") requires apostilled documents for nearly all official procedures involving foreign nationals. Whether you're applying for citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), getting married, or enrolling in university, apostilles are essential.

Special Note: For Italian citizenship applications, documents must be recent (typically issued within six months) and translated by an official translator recognized by Italian courts. The apostille must be clearly visible on the original document.

Processing Tip: Italian processing times can be lengthy. Submit apostilled documents as early as possible, and keep certified copies for your records.

4. France

Common Requirements: Birth certificates (extraits d'acte de naissance), marriage certificates, educational diplomas, criminal background checks

France requires apostilles for most foreign documents used in official procedures. The French administration is known for its attention to detail, and improperly authenticated documents will be rejected without exception.

Special Note: France often requires "full" birth certificates (extraits d'acte de naissance avec filiation) rather than short-form certificates. Ensure you obtain the correct type before getting an apostille. Translations must be done by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté) registered with French courts.

Processing Tip: French prefectures and consulates have specific formatting requirements. Consider using a professional service familiar with French requirements to avoid rejections.

5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Common Requirements: Educational certificates, marriage certificates, employment contracts, commercial documents, power of attorney

The UAE requires apostilles for most foreign documents, particularly for employment visas, business setup, and educational credential recognition. The process involves apostille (if applicable), authentication by the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

Special Note: The UAE has a two-step process: first, obtain an apostille from your home country, then get attestation from the UAE embassy or consulate. Some documents may also require attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon arrival.

Processing Tip: The UAE attestation process can take 2-4 weeks beyond the apostille. Factor this into your timeline, especially for employment visas with specific start dates.

6. China

Common Requirements: Educational diplomas, criminal background checks, employment letters, commercial invoices, certificates of origin

While China is not a member of the Hague Convention, it recognizes apostilles from Hong Kong and Macau. For documents from other countries, China requires embassy authentication (also called legalization or consular authentication) rather than apostilles.

Special Note: For work visas (Z visas), China requires authentication of educational diplomas and criminal background checks. The process involves apostille (if applicable), authentication by the Chinese embassy or consulate, and sometimes additional verification by Chinese authorities.

Processing Tip: Chinese authentication can take 4-6 weeks or longer. Use expedited services if available, and ensure all documents are properly notarized before beginning the authentication process.

7. Brazil

Common Requirements: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal background checks, educational diplomas, power of attorney, commercial documents

Brazil requires apostilles for virtually all foreign documents used in official procedures. The country has specific requirements for different visa types, and Brazilian authorities are known for strict adherence to documentation requirements.

Special Note: Brazil requires that all apostilled documents be translated by a sworn translator (tradutor juramentado) registered with the Brazilian Commercial Board. The translation itself may also need to be notarized.

Processing Tip: Brazilian visa processing can be slow. Submit apostilled and translated documents well in advance of your planned travel date.

8. Australia

Common Requirements: Police clearance certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational transcripts, employment references

Australia requires apostilles for most foreign documents used in visa applications, professional registration, and educational enrollment. The country's points-based immigration system requires extensive documentation, and all foreign documents must be properly authenticated.

Special Note: Australia requires that documents be certified by specific authorities. For example, police clearance certificates must come from national police authorities, not local police departments. Ensure you obtain documents from the correct issuing authority before getting an apostille.

Processing Tip: Australian visa processing times vary by visa type. Skilled migration visas can take 6-12 months, so start the apostille process early in your application journey.

9. Mexico

Common Requirements: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, educational diplomas, criminal background checks, power of attorney

Mexico requires apostilles for most foreign documents, particularly for temporary and permanent residency applications, work permits, and business registration. The country has streamlined its apostille acceptance process in recent years, making it easier for foreign nationals to authenticate documents.

Special Note: Mexico requires that apostilled documents be translated by a certified translator (perito traductor) authorized by Mexican courts. Some states have specific requirements for translator certification.

Processing Tip: Mexican immigration offices (INM) can be particular about document formatting. Ensure apostilles are clearly visible and translations are properly certified to avoid delays.

10. India

Common Requirements: Educational certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, commercial documents, power of attorney

India requires apostilles for foreign documents used in various official procedures, including employment, education, and business registration. The country's requirements vary by state and purpose, so it's important to verify specific requirements with the relevant Indian authority.

Special Note: India has specific requirements for educational credential evaluation. Foreign degrees must be apostilled and may require evaluation by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) or other recognized bodies. For employment purposes, some states require additional attestation by Indian consulates.

Processing Tip: Indian bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming. Work with professionals familiar with Indian requirements to ensure your documents are properly authenticated and formatted.

General Tips for All Countries

Start Early: Begin the apostille process at least 2-3 months before you need the documents
Get Multiple Copies: Order several certified copies of important documents—you may need apostilles for different purposes
Verify Current Requirements: Immigration and authentication requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the destination country's embassy or consulate
Consider Professional Services: Professional apostille services can navigate complex requirements and expedite processing
Keep Digital Copies: Scan all apostilled documents and store them securely in the cloud
Check Translation Requirements: Many countries require certified translations in addition to apostilles
Understand Expiration Dates: Some countries require that apostilled documents be recent (issued within 3-6 months)

Conclusion

Navigating apostille requirements for international moves can be complex, but understanding the specific requirements of your destination country is the first step toward a smooth transition. Each country has its own quirks and requirements, and staying informed will help you avoid costly delays and rejections.

Planning to move abroad? Our team specializes in apostille services for all 120+ Hague Convention countries. We handle the entire process, from obtaining certified copies to securing apostilles and arranging certified translations. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Top 10 Countries That Require Apostille Documents in 2025