Working abroad follows numerous steps and processes to ensure that as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) you are protected even outside the boundaries of the Philippines – one of which is obtaining an Apostille.
Just recently, the Department of Foreign Affairs released updates regarding Apostille. Last 14th of May 2019, the Philippines officially became a party to the Apostille Convention, thus replacing Authentication Certification (also known as Red Ribbon) with Apostille as proof of authenticity of your documents while you are working abroad. This will not only make certification easier, but this helps in further strengthening relationships with other countries as part of the Apostille Convention.
Whether you have been an OFW for quite some time or this will be your first time working abroad, here are some helpful tips and step-by-step guides on how to acquire Apostille documents.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is given to an applicant to authenticate the origin of a public document (e.g. Philippine Documents going to South Korea). This certificate is issued by a country that is part of the Apostille Convention. An apostille is attached to the original documents to signify their legitimacy and authenticity.
This certification has the intention to provide a simple process of verifying documents of the countries part of the convention.
Apostille Attestation is demonstrated as authenticating of documents when it is required in another country which is part of the Apostille Hague Convention.
This is usually performed specifically for the purposes of obtaining a student visa, work visa, resident visa, or business trip in an Apostillized country.
What are the types of Apostilles?
If the documents are classified as personal or commercial purposes, in the United States of America, they are being submitted to the Secretary of the State. Examples of these documents are as follows:
- Diplomas
- Transcripts
- Power of Attorney
- Commercial Agreements
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
The USA also provides Apostillized documents issued by their Federal Agencies. Examples of these are as follows:
- FBI Background Checks;
- IRS Documents
- INS Documents
- Certificates to Foreign Documents
- Naturalization Certificates
Apostille vs. Authentication
Countries and Territories where Apostille of the Philippines is accepted
Do note that Apostille only applies if both countries are part of the convention. To know the list of countries part of the Apostille Convention, you may visit this website: www.hcch.net
| 1. Albania | 51. Kazakhstan |
| 2. Andorra | 52. Kosovo |
| 3. Antigua and Barbuda | 53. Mauritius |
| 4. Argentina | 54. Mexico |
| 5. Armenia | 55. Moldova |
| 6. Australia | 56. Monaco |
| 7. Azerbaijan | 57. Mongolia |
| 8. Bahamas | 58. Montenegro |
| 9. Bahrain | 59. Morocco |
| 10. Barbados | 60. Namibia |
| 11. Belarus | 61. Netherlands |
| 12. Belgium | 62. New Zealand |
| 13. Belize | 63. Nicaragua |
| 14. Bolivia | 64. Niue |
| 15. Bosnia and Herzegovina | 65. Norway |
| 16. Botswana | 66. Oman |
| 17. Brazil | 67. Panama |
| 18. Brunei | 68. Paraguay |
| 19. Bulgaria | 69. Peru |
| 20. Burundi | 70. Poland |
| 21. Cabo Verde | 71. Portugal |
| 22. Chile | 72. Romania |
| 23. Colombia | 73. Russia |
| 24. Cook Islands | 74. Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| 25. Costa Rica | 75. Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent the Grenadines |
| 26. Croatia | 76. Samoa |
| 27. Cyprus | 77. San Marino |
| 28. Czech Republic | 78. Sao Tome and Principe |
| 29. Denmark | 79. Serbia |
| 30. Dominica | 80. Seychelles |
| 31. Dominican Republic | 81. Slovakia |
| 32. Ecuador | 82. Slovenia |
| 33. El Salvador | 83. South Africa |
| 34. Estonia | 84. South Korea |
| 35. Eswatini | 85. Span |
| 36. Fiji | 86. Suriname |
| 37. France | 87. Sweden |
| 38. Georgia | 88. Switzerland |
| 39. Grenada | 89. Tajikistan |
| 40. Guatemala | 90. Tonga |
| 41. Guyana | 91. Trinidad & Tobago |
| 42. Honduras | 92. Tunisia |
| 43. Hong Kong SAR | 93. Turkey |
| 44. Hungary | 94. Ukraine |
| 45. Iceland | 95. United Kingdom |
| 46. India | 96. USA |
| 47. Ireland | 97. Uruguay |
| 48. Israel | 98. Uzbekistan |
| 49. Italy | 99. Vanuatu |
| 50. Japan | 100. Venezuela |
How to Apostille a document in Philippines (3 Easy Steps)
Step 1: A fee for validation of each document;
Step 2: Duly fill out the Certificate of Authentication Request Form that includes the following information:
- Name of Requesting Country;
- Contact Details;
- Address as to where the documents should be mailed; and
- For documents considered minor, indicate the name of the individual requesting the document(s).
Step 3: You can avail the apostille in the following branches:
- DFA-Aseana;
- DFA NCR-Northeast (Ali Mall);
- DFA NCR-East (SM Megamall);
- DFA NCR-West (SM Manila);
- DFA NCR-South (Metro Gaisano Alabang);
- DFA San Fernando;
- DFA Pampanga;
- DFA Davao (SM Davao); and
- DFA Cebu (Pacific Mall-Metro Mandaue)
Duly note that there is no need to set an appointment with DFA for their Apostillization Services. To know more about the Apostille, you may contact DFA through the following contact details: 556-000 / 651-9400 / 234-3488 / (02) 834-3000 / (02) 834-4000. Their office is located at 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila. Their Office of Consular Affairs is located at Bradco Avenue, corner Macapagal Boulevard ASEANA Business Park, Parañaque City, Metro Manila.
How much does an Apostille cost In Philippines?
An Apostille costs ₱100.00 for Regular Processing (four working days) and ₱200.00 for Expedited Processing (shall be released the next working day).
What is the different between notary and Apostille?
A Notary or notarized document is signed by a state official or a lawyer. The essence of this to validate the signer of the document, thus preventing fraud. Apostille, as previously mentioned, works as a proof of authenticating the notarized document. Apostillized document works as a validation that the notary stamp and signature is not fake.
How do I apostille my documents with a reliable agent?
Here are some quick tips that you may utilized in searching for a reliable agent:
2. Look for reviews – What are others saying about this agent? Be conscious of reading reviews for there are some that aren’t real and may scam you. Make sure that the review you’re reading are reliable.
3. Search for available websites – Canvass between various websites which one fits in with your needs such as Apostillization of birth certificate, transcript of records and alike.
4. Have a cost analysis – After looking for desired websites, compare their costs, turnaround time and customer service feedback. While low cost apostille seems like a good deal, see to it that you won’t be a victim of fraud.
5. Look for recommendations – If you’re still reluctant of the website you’ve chosen, you may ask your friend or someone whose judgment you find trustworthy as to which agent provides the most cost-effective and steadfast apostille documents.
Do you want direct answers visit: www.facebook.com/groups/321025808784869/
