Philippine Apostille Authentication

Department of Foreign Affairs

Philippine Apostille Authentication

Starting last May 14, 2019, the Department of Foreign Affairs or DFA Office will no longer give Red Ribbon as a document authentication. Apostille Authentication will take over instead. In this article, we will tell you what an Apostille is, where to get it, how much and so much more! You may also check the video below for easy steps of getting an Apostille stamp or seal.

What is an Apostille Authentication?

Apostille is a kind of document authentication issued by a country that is a party of the Apostille Convention. Philippine is part of the Apostille Convention. Hence, when applying for work at other countries (that are part of the Apostille Convention), authentication is easily verified. There is no longer the need for authentication (legalization) by the Foreign Embassies or Consulates except for countries that have not acceded to the Convention and countries that objected to the Philippine accession.

The Apostille document authentication for public documents executed in Apostille-contracting countries and territories (except for Austria, Finland, Germany and Greece) to be used in the Philippines, authentication by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General will no longer be required once Apostillized. For those who wish to live the dream of working abroad, make sure your document authentication is accepted in that country. Check the FAQ section to see full list of countries and territories where Philippine Apostille is accepted.

How to Get an Apostille Stamp/Seal?

Step 1: Visit DFA Office with Apostille Authentication (See list of DFA Offices with Apostille Authentication below.)
Step 2: Fill out the Application Form.
Step 3: Present any valid ID & pay the authentication fee (Php 100 – regular or Php 200 – express)
Step 4: Present receipt of payment and get your authenticated document

How to Get an Apostille Stamp/Seal – Via an Authorized Representative?

According to the Authentication Rules and Regulations (ARR) of the Department of Foreign Affairs, starting 19 July 2019, an authorized representative is only allowed to process and claim documents on behalf of the owner provided that he/she presents the following:

  • Authorization letter from the owner; (For Minor Applicants- Original Special Power of Attorney executed by parent/s)
  • Photocopy of the owner’s ID (refer to the list of acceptable IDs below) bearing his/her signature
  • Photocopy and original copy of representative’s ID

Step 1: Visit DFA Office with Apostille Authentication (See list of DFA Offices with Apostille Authentication below.)
Step 2: Fill out the Application Form.
Step 3: Present any valid ID & pay the authentication fee (Php 100 – regular or Php 200 – express)
Step 4: Present receipt of payment and get your authenticated document

Apostille Document Authentication FAQ:

The Apostille Authentication is available some parts of the country only. Mainly in Manila, Cebu and Davao. Here are the list of Authenticating Units with Apostille: DFA-Aseana; DFA NCR-Northeast (Ali Mall); DFA NCR-East (SM Megamall); DFA NCR-West (SM Manila); DFA NCR-South (Metro Gaisano Alabang); DFA San Fernando, Pampanga; and soon, DFA Davao (SM Davao) and DFA Cebu (Pacific Mall-Metro Mandaue).

There are two types of payment fee for Apostille Authentication. For now, payment for the DFA-OCA’s Authentication Service is Php100.00 for Regular Processing (i.e., released after four working days) and Php200.00 for Expedited Processing (to be released the following business day).

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Chile, Columbia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, France, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hongkong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Malawi, Malta, Marshal Islands, Mauritius, Mexico Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, and Venezuela.

Watch the Apostille Document Authentication in the Philippines Video here:

7 replies
  1. Edward
    Edward says:

    Hello. 1st, I’m sorry to see so many do not read your articles before posting; that’s terrible. Second, what process covers countries that are not listed as members? I’m particularly interested in Kuwait. Any leads would be appreciated. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Edward
    Edward says:

    Actually, I see on the second link about FAQs that I should contact the Embassy here in Kuwait. Very thorough. Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Meme
    Meme says:

    Hello admin, I read the article and it is indicated that the only location to process Apostille is within Manila, Cebu and Davao and I just wanted to ask if the option of going to DHL still provides services to process it?

    Reply
  4. Jovilin Alamo Baleine
    Jovilin Alamo Baleine says:

    Hallo, how can I fill up de authorization form online? I authorize my sister Jennifer Alamo Chome who currently lives in Bohol Philippines to process my Apostille for my Birth Certificate.
    Kindly yours, Jovilin

    Reply

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