Dear Sir or Madam,
Document legalisation is an administrative procedure frequently requested by many countries. It is used to certify the authenticity of certain documents.
Document legislation: what's the point of this procedure?
The legalisation of a deed makes it possible to present an authenticated document to foreign administrations, and to certify the authenticity of the signature as well as the quality of the signatory.
However, due to international agreements signed between certain countries, requirements differ depending on the country to which the documents are being sent. Before taking any steps, which can be time-consuming and costly, we recommend that you consult the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
What documents can be legalised?
Several types of public deeds and private documents can be legalised: administrative deeds (degree certificates, disclosure and barring declarations, certificates of nationality, medical certificates, etc.), registry deeds (birth, marriage and death certificates, etc.) dated within the last three months, legal documents (judgments, etc.), notarial deeds, certificates of incorporation, articles of association.
Document translations can also be subject to the legalisation process, provided they are carried out by a court-approved translator. Our Legal 230 sworn translators are experts in the law, and can carry out this type of translation.
Legalisation procedures
Would you like to have a French document legalised for a foreign destination?
Double legalisation is required. The first step is to apply to the Bureau des législations of at France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then, a second legalisation is required via the French Embassy or Consulate in the country of destination.
In the reverse scenario, is it a foreign document destined for France that requires authentication?
The competent authority in the country, usually the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will issue the first legalisation of your document. This is followed by a second legalisation at the French embassy or consulate in the country concerned.
In the case of a private document, the signatory must have his or her signature certified by a competent authority in the country of origin.
The translation of a document to be legalised (or sworn translation) is often required to accompany the legalisation of a foreign-language document. It must meet specific criteria to be considered acceptable.
Legal 230 certified translations offer
Legal 230 court-approved translators are legal experts whose names appear on a list drawn up by the Court of Appeal in whose jurisdiction they carry out their main professional activity. The translations they produce will be accepted by the competent authorities.
Our officially certified translation serviceCapet, includes translation of your document into over 230 languages by one of our sworn translators, as well as proofreading by a translator who is an expert in his or her field.
If you need to produce an official document abroad, contact our teams via our website or by phone on +33 (0)1 84 80 21 20. We'll take care of your entire project, guiding you every step of the way. Our team works 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends, to meet your deadline.