Okuzeka
Immigration & Visas vocabulary · Documents & Evidence

Apostille

Meaning in immigration & visas, with examples

nounCommon term

In immigration & visas, apostille means: A special certificate added to a public document so that it is accepted as genuine in other countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention.

In Turkish: apostil, apostil şerhi

How it is used

Common for birth and marriage certificates, diplomas and court records. It is issued by an authority in the country where the document was produced, not by the destination country. Countries outside the convention may ask for legalisation by an embassy or consulate instead.

Example sentences

  1. My diploma needed an apostille before the university would accept it.

  2. The marriage certificate has an apostille stamped on the back.

Common collocations

  • get an apostille
  • apostille stamp
  • Hague Apostille Convention
  • legalisation
  • certified translationA translation of an official document that comes with a signed statement or stamp confirming that it is complete and accurate.
  • birth certificateAn official document that records a person's birth, including the date and place of birth and the names of the parents.
  • police certificateAn official document showing whether a person has a criminal record, which many countries ask for in long-stay, work and citizenship applications.
  • supporting documentsThe papers you send with an application to prove what you say in the form, such as bank statements, letters from employers or hotel bookings.

More terms: Documents & Evidence

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.