WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DFA AUTHENTICATION/ APOSTILLE
WHAT IS AN APOSTILLE AND WHEN DO I NEED ONE?
On 14 May 2019, the Philippines became a party to the Apostille Convention. Authentication is still required for all Philippine documents to be used abroad, but this time with an Apostille instead of an Authentication Certificate (“red ribbon”) as proof of authentication.
After authentication (Apostillization) by DFA-OCA, as Competent Authority, there is no more need for authentication (legalization) by the Embassies or Consulates except for non-Apostille countries and those that objected to the Philippine accession.
IN WHICH COUNTRIES DOES THE APOSTILLE CONVENTION APPLIES?
The Apostille Convention only applies if both the country where the public document was issued and the country where the public document is to be used are parties to the Convention. For the updated list of all “Apostille Countries,” please visit this link: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41
Like in non-Apostille countries, the Philippine Apostille cannot be readily used in Austria, Finland, Germany and Greece (Apostille countries that objected to the Philippine accession). Documents from and to such countries will require legalization by the concerned Embassy or Consulate.
TO WHICH DOCUMENTS DOES THE APOSTILLE CONVENTION APPLIES?
The Philippine Apostille applies to the same types of documents that were subject to authentication by the DFA prior to the effectivity of the Apostille Convention in the Philippines.
Moreover, Apostilles are strictly for the use of public documents abroad. Thus, if your document is to be used in the Philippines, it cannot be submitted to the DFA for authentication/Apostillization.
SOURCE : DFA website
ERRAND FORM FOR AUTHENTICATION OF DOCUMENTS
SAMPLE APOSTILLE
The Apostille streamlines the whole authentication procedure of documents for use abroad resulting to more convenience, less cost and processing time for the applicants. Before Apostille, a Philippine document to be used abroad needs a Certification by the relevant government agency or office, Authentication by the DFA and Authentication (Legalization) by the Embassy or Consulate of the country of destination. With the Apostille, the aforementioned document will no longer require legalization by the Foreign Embassy or Consulate if the country of destination is also an Apostille country. Source: DFA Website
WHAT IF MY DOCUMENTS WAS ISSUED BY ANOTHER COUNTRY AND WILL BE ISSUED IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Documents originating from another country are considered as “Foreign Documents”. There are two (2) types of Foreign Documents:
Certificate of Authentication, Certificate of Acknowledgment, Jurat, and other documents issued by Philippine Embassies/Consulates; and Documents issued by Foreign Embassies / Consulates in the Philippines.Foreign documents cannot undergo authentication (apostillization) since this process is only applicable to Philippine public documents for use abroad. If foreign documents will only be submitted to local offices in the Philippines, documents shall be submitted at the DFA Aseana for Certification.
A Certification is only issued to foreign documents described in items 1 and 2. This is for one-time use only. Please be reminded that the Certification is strictly for local use and cannot be submitted to Foreign Embassies / Consulates in the Philippines. If the foreign document is apostillized by another country, it shall be submitted directly to the local office without the need for further authentication/certification by the DFA or Philippine Embassies / Consulates. (Source DFA Website)
WHAT IF MY DOCUMENTS WAS ISSUED BY ANOTHER COUNTRY AND WILL BE ISSUED TO ANOTHER COUNTRY ALSO?
Kindly coordinate with the concerned Foreign Embassy / Consulate. Since the Philippines is not the issuing authority nor the recipient of the document, the DFA Apostille or Certification is not applicable.
What our customers are saying.....
Thank you very much PAKISUYO for the smooth processing of the following requests,
- BIR TIN update , BIR RDO transfer
- Birth Certificate PSA copy (delivered to your home address), Marriage Certificate PSA copy (delivered to your home address). I really appreciate your great assistance ma'am Beybs & Miss Angelen!
Document processing ba? wag mangamote, @PAKISUYO mo!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (5-star service)
Regards,
Ariel
OFW - Singapore
Very smooth and fast service. Very accommodating. Thank you so much for the help.
Karen Evangelista Maralit from Prince George , Bristich Columbia
I am so happy and very satisfied with the service! They exceeded my expectations ❤️ sobrang bilis and hands on mula sa start ng processing hanggang sa matapos. Di din sila mahirap kausap dahil mabilis sila sumagot sa emails and very detailed kaya hindi ka malilito. Nakakatuwa din kasi even though off sila during weekends they still found a way para ma-grant yung request namin to deliver the certificates for urgent reasons. They go above and beyond to deliver quality service to their clients. Highly recommended
Christell Tinio Nicomedes of Toronto Canada asposted in FB review dated May 31, 2022