Authentication
of French documents
ITAMA takes care of
the authentication
of French documents
An expatriation project?
Depending on the country of destination and the agreements made with France, the authentication of documents can take several forms: legalization, apostille, exemption from formalities or the need to translate the documents.
We decode for you all the requirements in order to determine the procedure to follow and the different steps. We check the eligibility of your documents and follow your case until they are issued in due form.
01
Legalization of documents
What is the purpose of legalization?
For a foreign authority, the legalization of a French document allows to attest:
- The authenticity of the signature on the document
- The identity and functions of the signatory
- And, if necessary, the identity of the seal or stamp affixed to it
Legalization of French documents: a two-step process
The authentication of your French documents takes place in two steps. First, your French document is legalized by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (Legislation Office). It is then the turn of the diplomatic or consular representation of the destination country to legalize your document.
The documents that can be concerned:
- Civil status document
- Judicial document
- National identity card, passport, family record book
- Medical certificate
- Certificate of French nationality
- Extract from the criminal record (bulletin n°3)
- French diploma
- Kbis
02
Apostille
What is the purpose of an apostille?
The apostille makes it possible to authenticate a French document by means of a simpler procedure than legalization. This type of authentication is possible when the destination country is a signatory of the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961. In practice, the apostille is a stamp added to the document. It makes it possible to attest:
- The authenticity of the signature on the document
- The identity and functions of the signatory
- And if necessary, the identity of the seal or stamp affixed to the document
01
Legalization of documents
What is the purpose of legalization?
For a foreign authority, the legalization of a French document allows to attest:
- The authenticity of the signature on the document
- The identity and functions of the signatory
- And, if necessary, the identity of the seal or stamp affixed to it
Legalization of French documents: a two-step process
The authentication of your French documents takes place in two steps. First, your French document is legalized by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (Legislation Office). It is then the turn of the diplomatic or consular representation of the destination country to legalize your document.
The documents that can be concerned:
- Civil status document
- Judicial document
- National identity card, passport, family record book
- Medical certificate
- Certificate of French nationality
- Extract from the criminal record (bulletin n°3)
- French diploma
- Kbis
02
Apostille
What is the purpose of an apostille?
The apostille makes it possible to authenticate a French document by means of a simpler procedure than legalization. This type of authentication is possible when the destination country is a signatory of the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961. In practice, the apostille is a stamp added to the document. It makes it possible to attest:
- The authenticity of the signature on the document
- The identity and functions of the signatory
- And if necessary, the identity of the seal or stamp affixed to the document
03
Our support:
- After the analysis of the situation, we define and explain the procedure to be followed
- Upon receipt of the documents, we check their eligibility
- We take care of the management of certified copies for originals or single copies (such as diplomas),
- Once sent, we follow up on the file with the various administrations
- If necessary, we send the legalized documents abroad
Legalized translations
In addition to legalization or apostille, some countries require a legalized translation of your French documents.
ITAMA can assist you with:
- The management of the translation
- Legalization of the translator’s signature
- Legalization of the translation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- And for the legalization of the translation with the consulate of the country of destination
Legalized translations
In addition to legalization or apostille, some countries require a legalized translation of your French documents.
ITAMA can assist you with:
- The management of the translation
- Legalization of the translator’s signature
- Legalization of the translation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- And for the legalization of the translation with the consulate of the country of destination
