Need to use a Canadian document abroad? We notarize, authenticate and obtain apostilles for Canadian documents, so foreign governments, courts and institutions accept them the first time.
Whether you are handling a legal matter abroad, getting married overseas, conducting international business, purchasing property, or applying for foreign residency or citizenship, your Canadian documents may require an apostille or authentication before a foreign government, court, institution or other authority will accept them.
At Jane Katkova & Associates, we help clients with the preparation, notarization and authentication of Canadian documents, and with obtaining an apostille for international use. We simplify the process and prepare every document according to the destination country’s requirements.
Eligible Canadian public documents for use in member countries may now receive an apostille instead of traditional legalization. For countries outside the Convention, we also assist with authentication and legalization through the appropriate embassy or consulate.
A wide range of Canadian documents may require authentication or an apostille when used abroad. Depending on the type of document and the country where it will be presented, these may include:
The requirements can vary depending on the document, the province or territory where it was issued, and the destination country. For example, certain Ontario-issued public documents may be eligible for direct authentication, while other documents must be notarized before obtaining an apostille. We help you determine the right steps and prepare your documents for submission.
The Hague Apostille Convention is an international treaty that makes it easier to use official documents issued in one country in another country.
An apostille is an official certificate issued by a designated government authority. It confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity of the person who signed a public document and, where applicable, the seal or stamp on that document.
When the destination country is a member of the Convention, an apostille generally replaces embassy or consular legalization, and the document is recognized as properly authenticated in the other participating country. Canada joined the Convention in 2024, which has simplified the use of Canadian public documents in participating countries.
The exact requirements depend on the document and the destination country. We recommend confirming the requirements for your documents with the relevant authority in the country where they will be used.
Not every country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is not, your Canadian document may require the traditional authentication and legalization process.
The document is authenticated by the appropriate Canadian authority.
The document is then legalized or certified by the embassy, high commission or consulate of the destination country in Canada.
We prepare your documents at each step, so they are ready to present abroad.
Short answers to what clients ask us most about apostilles, authentication and legalization.
Tell us the document and destination country, and we will map out the steps.
An apostille is an official certificate issued by a designated government authority. It confirms the signature, the capacity of the signer and, where applicable, the seal or stamp on a public document, so it is accepted in other Hague Apostille Convention countries.
Yes. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024. Eligible Canadian public documents for use in member countries can now receive an apostille instead of going through embassy legalization.
Your document may need the traditional process: authentication by the appropriate Canadian authority, followed by legalization through the embassy, high commission or consulate of the destination country. We help you prepare for each step.
It depends on the document. Some Ontario-issued public documents may be eligible for direct authentication, while others, such as many private or corporate documents, must be notarized before an apostille can be issued. We confirm the right path for your document.
Yes. We prepare notarized affidavits of translation, and our team offers certified translation for several languages. See our translation and notary services.
Bring the original document, valid government photo ID, and details about the country and the authority where the document will be used. If you have instructions from that authority, bring those too.
Timing depends on the document, the issuing authority and the destination country. We give you an estimate during your consultation, once we know which steps your document needs.
Certified translation, notarization and commissioning in one office.
Applications, test preparation and help after a refusal.
Every PR route, from the eligibility check to landing day.
Marriage and relationship documents prepared correctly.
Corporate documents for owners, investors and transferees.
Read our guide to apostilles for Canada.
Visit us at 1110 Finch Ave W #406, Toronto, or contact us online. We serve clients in Toronto, across Canada and around the world.
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements differ by document and destination country, so confirm them with the receiving authority before you apply.
