INTERNATIONAL MATTERS

Doing Business Across Borders?

Marrying, divorcing, adopting; hiring or even taking legal action across countries? You will likely need authenticated documentation and Apostille was created just for this. Read on to learn how Prestige can help you.

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What is Apostille?

Apostille is a form of authentication designed to simplify the process of legalizing and authenticating public documents so they can be recognized internationally across foreign countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty. The purpose was to streamline the then laborious processes for global document verification into one internationally recognized streamlined method for vetting and certifying.

Also known as the Apostille Convention, the treaty allows for a standardized certificate, known as an “Apostille”, to be affixed to documents, confirming their authenticity and making them valid in other member countries.

The Growing Importance

When the Hague Treaty was initially forged, only three countries were signers. In the ensuing decades, as the pace of business and globalization rapidly gained momentum, nations, states, businesses, and individuals saw the need for the Apostille service.

Today, 126 nations uphold the treaty and recognize the Apostille process for document authentication and verification – including the most recent entry from November of 2023: China, America’s largest single-country trading partner.

For any US-based business doing business in China or planning to do business there, this is a game-changer. Formerly mired in protracted document authentication rituals on both sides, the practical implications for this signing can be summed up in a single word: Speed.

DOCUMENTS THAT MATTER

Apostilles and certifications are used by/recognized by foreign governments to assess the authenticity of an official signature on a document; the capacity in which the person signing the document acted; and the identity of any stamp or seal affixed to the document and more. Streamlining the process offers speed to the end result whereas in the past, it took months. Listed below are ways Apostilles are used and why they are necessary.

Should I use Apostilles when doing business with a company outside of the United States?

Using Apostilles when conducting business with a company outside of the United States is important because it helps authenticate and validate various documents such as contracts, business documents, and corporate filings.

Should I use Apostilles when hiring across the border?

Using Apostilles when hiring across the border may be necessary because you may need to conduct a background check on potential employees to ensure their qualifications, criminal history, and suitability for the job.

Should I use Apostilles when marrying someone from another land?

You'll want that marriage recognized for insurance, employment, and various other reasons.

Should I use Apostilles when adopting from another country?

Apostilles should be considered when adopting from another country because medical, health, and birth certificates are often required during the adoption process.

Should I use Apostilles when filing a lawsuit in another country?

Apostilles should be considered when filing a lawsuit in another country because affidavits, depositions, and case filings often require certification for cross-border disputes. Using

How Prestige Can Help

Like our Remote Online Notary Service, Apostille services are delivered through Prestige’s international array of localized professionals, making it easy to access and navigate the following:

Orders placed through our online portal (and accessing the largest system of its kind in the world)

Matching your needs with a manually vetted notary

All uploaded documents being registered, reviewed (for local accuracy needs) and assessed

Setting and confirming appointment times with all parties

Getting secure signatures, scanning, and shipping authenticated documents

At each step, you are sent progress updates for peace of mind.