Legalization of documents is necessary in order for a document issued in one country to have legal force and can be used in another country. In the modern world, there are several types of document legalization:
- Apostille - the procedure for affixing a special stamp on official documents issued by institutions and organizations of the countries participating in the Hague Convention, abolishing the requirement of legalization of foreign official documents, dated October 5, 1961.
- Consular legalization - a more complex legalization procedure, which is used for the preparation of documents in countries that have not joined the Hague Convention. Its essence lies in the certification of the document in the justice or internal affairs bodies, and then in the consulate of the country of destination in the country of issue of the document.
During legalization, it is checked whether the document was issued by the correct person or institution. Legalization is carried out with a stamp or sticker. The document is then ready for use in the Netherlands.
There are also opposite situations when a document needs to be legalized in the Netherlands for use in other countries. Legalization takes place by affixing an apostille through the judicial authorities.
The legalization process may take some time, so you should start the procedure in advance.
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Publication Date: 13.11.2020
