Document Legalization & Authentication
Document legalization ensures that Philippine and foreign documents are recognized as authentic in another country. Philippine embassies offer authentication, apostille support, notarization, and certification services.
Types of Document Authentication
1. Apostille (Hague Convention)
Since 14 May 2019, the Philippines uses the apostille system for documents destined for use in Hague Convention member countries (120+). The apostille is a single-step process handled by the DFA in Manila. Philippine embassies can apostille documents executed or notarized at the embassy.
Fee: PHP 100 per document (at DFA) | Processing: Same day to 3 days
2. Red Ribbon (Consular Legalization)
For countries that are NOT members of the Hague Convention, the old red ribbon/consular legalization system still applies. This involves DFA authentication followed by legalization at the embassy of the destination country.
3. Consular Notarization
The embassy can notarize documents executed abroad by Filipino citizens. This includes SPAs, affidavits, deeds, and contracts. The consul acts as a notary public.
Read our notarial services guide
4. Certified True Copies
The embassy can certify copies of original documents for use in legal proceedings or administrative applications.
When Do You Need Document Legalization?
- Employment abroad: Diplomas, transcripts, professional licences
- Marriage abroad: Birth certificates, CENOMAR, PSA documents
- Property transactions: SPA, deed of sale, titles
- Immigration applications: Police clearance, court records
- Business purposes: SEC registration, DTI certificates, contracts
- Court proceedings: Legal documents for use in foreign courts
Process for Legalizing Philippine Documents for Use Abroad
For Hague Convention Countries (Apostille)
- Obtain the original document (PSA certificate, NBI clearance, etc.)
- Have it apostilled at DFA Manila
- Present the apostilled document in the destination country
For Non-Hague Countries (Red Ribbon)
- Obtain the original document
- Have it authenticated at DFA Manila (red ribbon)
- Have it legalized at the destination country's embassy in Manila
- Present the legalized document in the destination country
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apostille (DFA Manila) | PHP 100/document |
| Red ribbon (DFA Manila) | PHP 100/document |
| Consular notarization | USD 25-50/document |
| Certified true copy | USD 10-20/document |
| Document verification | USD 10-20/document |
- Hague countries: Apostille
- Non-Hague: Red ribbon
- Apostille fee: PHP 100
- Processing: Same day-3 days