International recognition of documents

The processing time for authentication varies depending on various factors, such as the type of document, the country of destination and the specific embassy where the legalisation takes place. Some embassies work faster than others and certain documents require more steps in the legalisation process.

We always provide you with a realistic schedule in advance and keep you informed of the progress throughout the entire process. Thanks to our many years of experience and daily contact with embassies and consulates, we know exactly what you can expect in terms of processing time.

Please contact us for an accurate estimate of the processing time for your specific situation. We will be happy to advise you on the best schedule for your documents.

Yes, we have experience with urgent legalisations and understand that business deadlines sometimes cannot be postponed. Thanks to our good relationships with embassies and our experience since 1998, we can often arrange expedited procedures.

The options for urgent processing vary per embassy and document type. Some consulates offer express services, while others have strict processing times. We are familiar with all procedures and can immediately tell you what is possible.

Do you need urgent legalisation? Call us right away to discuss the options. We are happy to take on the challenge of meeting your deadline and advise you on the best approach for your urgent requirement.

We legalise various types of documents for use abroad:

• Commercial documents – for export and international trade


• Legal documents – contracts, deeds and other legal documents


• Health certificates – for medicines and medical devices


• Chamber of Commerce documents – extracts and certificates


• Government certificates – official documents from government agencies


• Educational certificates – degrees and other educational documents


• Company documents – various business documentation

Whether your document is suitable for legalisation depends on the country of destination and the specific requirements. Please contact us for advice on your specific situation.

The documents required for embassy authentication vary significantly depending on the destination country. Each country outside the Apostille Convention has its own specific regulations and requirements for embassy procedures.

Preparatory steps are often required at institutions such as the Chamber of Commerce, banks or government organisations before embassy authentication can take place.

We are familiar with all procedures for each country and ensure that all necessary documents are complete. For detailed information about the requirements for your specific destination, please contact us. We will analyse your situation and provide you with a complete overview of all necessary documents and steps.

Embassy Express operates in more than 196 countries worldwide. Since 1998, we have been providing legalisations and apostilles for documents used in almost every country in the world.

Thanks to our presence in both the Netherlands (The Hague) and Belgium (Brussels), we can carry out legalisations at all embassies and consulates in both countries. This makes us unique, as some embassies are only located in The Hague or only in Brussels.

For specific information about your country of destination and the associated procedures, please visit our country overview page or contact us.

Yes, we also provide official translations that are accepted by embassies and foreign authorities. A certified translation is often required before a document can be legalised, and we know exactly which translations are required for each country.

By offering both translations and legalisation under one roof, you save time and avoid delays. You don’t have to work with or coordinate multiple parties – we take care of the entire process, from translation to legalisation.

Our translators are certified and specialise in business and legal documents, ensuring that your translation meets all the requirements of foreign authorities. Whether you need to have contracts, certificates or other business documents translated, we ensure that everything is arranged correctly and on time.