For documents to be submitted in countries that have signed the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, legalization is substituted by the apostil; i.e. a stamp attesting the authenticity of the document and the legal validity of the issuing authority. The authentication of documents signed by Notaries, by Clerks of the Court and by Bailiffs is jurisdiction of the PUBLIC PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE. The documents signed in foreign countries, in order to be valid in Italy, must be authenticated by the Italian Consulates and Embassies of those countries. The documents signed or to be validated in the Countries adherent to The Hague Convention signed on 5th October 1961 must be authenticated by means of “Apostille” (A special stamp of authentication). One of our translators will go to the Prefecture (Administrative District) or to the Public Prosecutor’s Office to legalize the documents. The certificates and documents issued by Consulates in Italy, are subject to duty stamp of € 16,00 except the cases expected by the International Conventions or European Embassies and Consulates. Provisions of law: D.P.R. 28/12/2000 n. 445
Signatures authentication is not necessary for the documents issued by the following Embassies and/or Consulates adhering to the European Convention of London signed on 7th June 1968: Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Sweden, Cyprus, Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Liechtenstein, Benelux, Czech Republic, Turkey, Germany, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain and Romania.
D.P.R. 3/11/2000, n 396 (Rules for the revision and simplification of the Civil jurisdictional system)
Athens Convention – 15th September 1977
The Hague Convention -5th October 1961
London Convention – 7th June 1968
