Making documents acceptable elsewhere.
WHY IT IS NEEDED
Foreign authorities require confirmation that a document is genuine.
WHAT DOCUMENTS COMMONLY NEED IT
Academic certificates Birth and marriage certificates Police certificates Company documents Powers of attorney
WHAT THE PROCESS TYPICALLY INVOLVES
Verification by the issuing body Authentication by the foreign affairs ministry Legalisation by the receiving country's mission, where required
WHY EACH STEP
Each confirms the previous.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
Exactly what the receiving authority requires.
WHY
Requirements differ by country and purpose.
WHAT TO CHECK
Whether the receiving country accepts a simplified certification Whether translation is required Whether the translation must itself be certified
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
Several weeks, with each stage dependent on the last.
WHAT COMMONLY CAUSES REJECTION
Documents not verified by the issuing body first Names inconsistent with the passport Copies rather than originals
WHAT TO DO
Follow the sequence exactly.
WHAT TO KEEP
Originals, and certified copies.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR
Fees at each stage, plus agent costs if used.
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Services promising to bypass steps.
WHY
The resulting documents fail verification abroad.
WHAT TO START
Early, well before any deadline.
