Legalization
As the Philippines is now an official member of the Apostille Convention, documents signed by individuals can either be legalized / notarized in either of the following ways:
NOTE: Documents from non-Apostille countries under the Embassy’s jurisdiction, namely Haiti, will still need to be notarized by a notary public, authenticated by the appropriate agency in the host country, and the authentication by the Philippine Embassy.
Embassy Legalization / Notarization
Overview
- Certifies the authenticity of the signature or seal of the person or authority that signed or sealed the public document and the capacity in which this was done. It does not certify the content of the public document to which it relates.
- The notarized document will have a covering page (Notarial Certificate) bearing the seal of the Embassy and the signature of the Consular Officer.
- Done through personal appearance at the Philippine Embassy or honorary consulates.
Documents applicable for notarization
Private Documents – Special Power of Attorney, General Power of Attorney, Affidavit, Certification, Deed of Donation, Deed of Sale, Extra-judicial Settlement of Estate, Insurance Forms, etc.
Government-issued documents – not applicable
Business-related documents – not applicable
Requirements:
- Original and one (1) photocopy of document and all enclosures. Document/s should be signed by the signatories/affiants before a Consular Officer.
- Original and one (1) photocopy of valid identification card (preferably passport or driver’s license, etc.) for each set of documents under item #1.
- Applicable processing fee (non refundable) of $25.00 per document, payable in cash or money order made payable to “Embassy of the Philippines”. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.
- Self-addressed USPS Priority / Priority Express Return Envelope (with $9.90 Stamp and Tracking Number).
- Additional fee of $10 per document for expedited services may or may not be accommodated due to current workload.
Steps:
- Set up an Appointment. Appointment is required for this service. Click the button below to set up an appointment online.
2. Proceed to the Embassy on the appointed day and time. Signatory or signatories of the individual document proceed to the Embassy on the appointed date and time bringing the original and (1) photocopy of the unsigned document, valid government-issued IDs, payment, and return envelope.
3. The applicant or applicants sign/s the document in front of the Consular Officer, submit/s valid IDs, and pay/s for the required fee. The applicant also leaves the return envelope with the Consular Officer and takes note of its tracking number.
4. The notarized document/s will be mailed after five (5) business days.
5. Once received, the notarized document will be accepted for use in the Philippines.
Apostillization
Overview
- Certifies the authenticity of the signature or seal of the person or authority that signed or sealed the public document and the capacity in which this was done. It does not certify the content of the public document to which it relates.
- An Apostille Certificate is issued by a country that is party to the Apostille Convention to be used in another country which is also a party to the Convention.
- Done through the designated competent authorities in each area of jurisdiction.
Documents that can be apostillized by the local Secretary of State
Private Documents – Special Power of Attorney, General Power of Attorney, Affidavit, Certification, Deed of Donation, Deed of Sale, Extra-judicial Settlement of Estate, Insurance Forms, etc.
Government-issued documents – Birth Certificate, Death Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, etc., and those issued by private institutions, such as Transcript of Records, Medical Records, Licenses, Certificates of Training, etc.
Business-related documents – Trademark, Patent Application, Oath of Corporate Secretaries/Offices, Appointment of Resident Agent, Affidavit of Use/Non-Use, Assignment of Letters of Patent, etc.
Requirements:
Requirements may vary depending on the type of document and the designated competent authority. Please click here for the directory of the designated authorities under the jurisdiction of the Embassy.
Steps:
- Documents must be notarized by a Notary Public.
- Succeeding procedures may vary depending on the type of document and the designated competent authority. Please click here for the directory of the designated authorities under the jurisdiction of the Embassy.