“Authentication” is a generic term that refers to the process of verifying the origin of a public document by certifying the authenticity of the signature and legal authority of the public official who signed it. It does not, however, certify the content of the public document to which it relates.

On 14 May 2019, the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) entered into force for the Philippines.

Henceforth, an Apostille is attached, as proof of authentication, to the underlying Philippine public document that will be used abroad. After authentication by the DFA, there is no more need for legalization by the concerned Foreign Embassy / Consulate if the country of destination of the authenticated document is also a State Party to the Apostille Convention (except for Finland, Germany and Greece as they have objected to the Philippines’ accession).

However, if the country of destination of the document is NOT a State Party to the Convention, or if the document will be submitted in Finland, Germany or Greece, legalization by the concerned Foreign Embassy / Consulate is still required.

• OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Bradco Avenue, corner Macapagal Boulevard, ASEANA Business Park Parañaque City, Metro Manila Philippines

• CO NCR WEST
  (SM MANILA)
• CO NCR NORTHEAST
  (ALI MALL)
• CO NCR SOUTH
  (ALABANG)
• CO NCR EAST
  (SM MEGAMALL)
• CO PAMPANGA
  (ROBINSONS STARMILLS)
• CO LA UNION
  (CSI MALL)
• CO LEGAZPI
  (PACIFIC MALL)
• CO CEBU
  (ROBINSON’S GALLERIA)
• CO ILOILO
  (ROBINSONS PLACE)
• CO DAVAO
  (SM DAVAO)
• CO CAGAYAN DE ORO
  (SM DOWNTOWN PREMIER)

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