Updated 2026-05-15
Apostille
Also known as: Апостиль · אפוסטיל
Certificate attached to a public document so it is recognised in another country that is party to the Hague Convention of 1961.
An apostille is a standardised certificate that verifies the signature and seal on a public document. Introduced by the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 to simplify international document recognition between member states. In Israel two competent authorities issue apostilles: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for state-issued documents) and the Magistrate Court (for documents bearing a notarial certification). The apostille does not certify the content of the document — only the authenticity of the signature and seal.
Reviewed by Adv. Alla Flat · updated 2026-05-15
See also
- Hague Apostille Convention 1961— Multilateral international treaty of 5 October 1961 that simplifies recognition of public documents between member states.
- Magistrate Court— First instance of the Israeli general courts; authorised to issue apostilles on documents bearing notarial certification.
- Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)— Government authority that issues apostilles on Israeli state documents for use abroad.
- Notarised translation— Translation of a document accompanied by a notarial certification confirming that the translation matches the source.
Source: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/full-text/?cid=41