Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Document drawn up and signed between the parties without the intervention of a public officer (e.g. notary).
Formality by which a procedural document or a decision is brought to the attention of a person
What is the purpose of legalizing a foreigner document? What documents need to be legalized? Does the document have to be translated first? How do I apply? Here are the main rules to know about the legalization of a foreigner document to make a approach in France.
Unfold allWhat is the purpose of legalizing a foreigner document?
The legalization of a foreigner document may be required to make a approach in France.
For example, to apply for French nationality.
Legalization attest the following information:
An official legalization stamp is added to the document.
One French document intended for French administration must not be legalized.
What foreigner documents need to be legalized?
One public foreigner act intended to be produced in France must be legalized.
For example, a foreigners degree to enroll in a university in France.
Know which documents are considered public documents
The following documents are considered as public acts :
However, international agreements provide for a exemption from legalization for some documents.
These include: certain public documents issued by a European Union countries . For example, a birth certificate.
To determine whether a document should be legalized, see the summary table of the current state of treaty law in legalization .
You can also find out from the embassy of the country of origin of the document.
The legalization of a foreigner document should not be confused with the signature legalization (hardware signature certification) that is used to authenticate your own signature when it is affixed to a private act .
Does a foreigner document need to be translated before it can be legalized?
Yes, a public document written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a translation into french made by a authorized translator.
This translation must be done before starting the legalization process.
Is legalization of a foreigner document free of charge?
The legalization of a document drawn up by a foreign authority shall be:
However, a specific tariff may be applicable to foreigner nationals of certain countries.
Ask the relevant French embassy or consulate:
Who should we go to to get a foreigner public act legalized?
The French Ambassador or Head of Consular Post is competent to legalize the following public acts:
The act must be pre-legalized by the competent authority of the issuing State. For example, the French Embassy in Bangkok may legalize a Thai act if that act is pre-legalized by the competent Thai authorities.
Depending on the embassy or consular post, the process is done by mail or on site.
Inquire at the French embassy or consulate:
The Legalization Office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not competent to legalize a foreigner act.
Understanding the principle of double legalization
According to current international custom, the legalization of a foreigners act intended to be produced in France is based on the principle of double legalization:
Most countries subject to legalization follow this principle of double legalization.
Thus, the time taken to have a document legalized depends in part on the processing time necessary for the authorities of the country issuing the act to “pre-legalize” the document.
Know to whom to turn for an act established by a foreigners diplomatic or consular official residing in France.
The french minister for foreign affairs may legalize a public act emanating from foreigners diplomatic or consular agents residing in France.
This document must be intended to be presented to other foreigners diplomatic or consular agents residing in France.