Consular legalization is a process that authenticates official documents for use in foreign countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Unlike the simplified apostille procedure, consular legalization involves multiple steps and requires verification by various authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate or embassy of the destination country.

By definition, consular legalization confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity of the person who signed the document, and the legitimacy of the seal or stamp affixed to it. This process ensures that the document is recognized as valid and legally binding in the country where it will be used.

The consular legalization process typically includes the following steps:

1. Notarization: The document is first certified by a notary public or relevant local authority.

2. Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The document is then verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country where it was issued.

3. Consular or Embassy Certification: Finally, the document is submitted to the consulate or embassy of the destination country for final approval.

Once consular legalization is complete, the document is considered valid for use in the specific country for which it was legalized. This process is essential for countries that do not recognize the apostille stamp and require a more thorough verification of official documents. While it may be more time-consuming than the apostille process, consular legalization ensures that your documents meet the legal requirements of the destination country.

Consular legalization is commonly used for official documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic diplomas, and business contracts when dealing with non-Hague Convention countries. It provides a reliable way to ensure the international recognition of your documents.