An apostille is a type of certification that authenticates the origin of a public document that will be used in a foreign country. The word "apostille" is derived from French and means "certification". It is a simplified form of authentication that was introduced in 1961 under the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.

​

An apostille is a certificate that is attached to a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, educational diploma, or legal document. The certificate verifies the authenticity of the signature of the public official who signed the document, the capacity in which that official acted, and the seal or stamp that the document bears. Once an apostille has been affixed to a document, it is recognized as a legal document in all countries that are parties to the Hague Convention.

​

An apostille is typically required for documents that are being used for legal or official purposes in a foreign country, such as for immigration or employment purposes, or for the recognition of educational degrees or qualifications. The specific process for obtaining an apostille can vary by country and by the type of document that is being certified, so it's always a good idea to check with the appropriate authorities to determine the requirements.