If you’re planning to work, study, get married, retire, or do business outside of Canada, you may be asked to provide apostilled Canadian documents. For many clients, this is the first time they’ve heard the term apostille, and it can feel confusing at first.
As an Ontario notary, I’ll walk you through what this means, which countries commonly request apostilled documents, and how to make sure your paperwork is accepted the first time—without unnecessary stress.
An apostille is a special certificate that confirms your Canadian document is authentic so it can be legally recognized in another country.
Think of it as an international stamp of approval.
It tells foreign authorities: “Yes, this document is real and properly notarized in Canada.”
Apostilles are used between countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention—which now includes Canada.
Countries request apostilled documents to:
If you’re submitting Canadian documents abroad without an apostille when one is required, they may be rejected, causing delays or additional costs.
Here are some of the most common destinations where Canadians need apostilled documents:
Frequently requests apostilled documents for:
Often requires apostilles for:
Common for:
Often requested for:
Typically needed for:
Common for:
Frequently requested for:
Often requires apostilles for:
This list isn’t exhaustive, but these countries account for a large number of apostille requests we see from clients in Ajax, Pickering, and Whitby.
You may need an apostille for documents such as:
An Ontario notary will usually notarize your document first before it moves into the apostille process.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
At Notable Notary – Apostille Services, we guide you through every step so nothing is missed.
Some steps can be started remotely, but apostilles usually require original documents. However, remote online notarization may still be helpful for certain supporting documents or declarations, depending on the situation.
If convenience matters, Notable Notary – Mobile Notary Services can meet you at home or work across the GTA.
International document requirements can vary by country and even by institution. A small mistake like notarizing the wrong version can cause weeks of delay.
Working with Notable Notary – General Notary Services ensures your documents are:
If you need help preparing Canadian documents for use abroad, Notable Notary is here to make the process simple and stress-free.
📞 Call: (289) 312-6678
💻 Book Online: https://notablenotary.ca/book-now
📧 Email: info@notablenotary.ca
Whether you’re handling personal matters or international business, we’ll make sure your documents are ready wherever life takes you.
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