The process of embassy legalization might seem intimidating, but in fact, it is a way of making the lives of those living and working abroad easier. Knowing what to expect from the process can make it easier to navigate. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you do exactly that:
Preparing Your Documents
Before having your documents legalized, you will need to ensure you have both the originals and high-quality copies. This will help to minimize the risk of loss by damage, which can happen on rare occasions.
Additionally, your documents may need professional translation. If this is the case, this is the point during the process when they will be translated. In many countries, however, this process is not necessary.
Notarization
You will need to have your documents notarized before moving forward. This simply means having your paperwork signed by a notary public. This ensures the authenticity of the documents.
Local Certification
From there, your documents will be certified by local authorities. This will vary from country to country, but typically involves staff from a state-level or province-level agency, such as the secretary of state’s office. Then, they will be certified by a similar agency at the federal or countrywide level. This is what gives the documents legal authority in the new location.
Embassy Legalization
Finally, the documents will be sent to the embassy or consulate of the nation you need them in. This is where the process of embassy legalization gets its name. Once the documents are certified there, they are officially “legalized” for use in your new location.
After all these steps, your documents will be returned to you. The entire process can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, so working with a partner program that helps to expedite each step can be very advantageous.
Not every nation requires embassy legalization for the use of official documents; many have their own processes and regulations, so always do your research to ensure you are prepared for your destination location’s requirements! For more information visit their website at Usauthentication.com.
