DFA Advisory: Apostille Convention on Authentication of Documents takes effect in Philippines on 14 May 2019

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – Office of Consular Affairs wishes to inform the public that it will no longer issue Authentication Certificates from 14 May 2019. Instead, the DFA will affix an Apostille to documents for use abroad as proof of authentication for use in Apostille-contracting parties.

After authentication by the DFA, there is no more need for authentication (legalization) by the concerned Foreign Embassies or Consulates General if the country or territory of destination of the authenticated document is already a member of the Apostille Convention.

Public documents executed in Apostille-contracting countries and territories (except for Austria, Finland, Germany and Greece) to be used in the Philippines no longer have to be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General once Apostillized.

However, in countries and territories which are not Apostille-contracting parties, the previous process of authentication applies.  Documents still have to be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General before they can be used in the Philippines.  Also, there is still a need for authentication (legalization) by the concerned Foreign Embassies or Consulates General if the country of destination of the authenticated document is not yet a member of the Apostille Convention.

Authentication fees will remain at PhP100 (regular processing) and PhP200 (expedited processing) per document.

For the updated list of Apostille-contracting parties, please visit this link: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41 or scan the QR Code shown below.