How to Apply for an Apostille in France

If you need to use a French public document overseas, you may be required to obtain an apostille. France is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, which means French documents can be apostilled for use in other Convention countries without further embassy or consular legalisation.

This article explains what an apostille is, which French documents can be apostilled, and how to apply for an apostille in France, whether you are in France or applying from abroad.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document. It confirms that the document was issued by a competent authority, but does not certify the content of the document itself.

Once apostilled, a French document is legally recognised in all other Hague Apostille Convention countries.

Which French Documents Can Be Apostilled?

French authorities may apostille the following documents:

Birth, marriage, and death certificates
Court judgments and judicial documents
Notarial acts (actes notariés)
University degrees and academic transcripts
Criminal record extracts (casier judiciaire)
Company extracts (Kbis), powers of attorney, affidavits

Private documents (such as contracts or declarations) usually must first be notarised by a French notaire before an apostille can be issued.

Who Issues Apostilles in France?

In France, apostilles are issued by the Cour d’appel (Court of Appeal).

Each Cour d’appel is competent for apostilling documents originating from:

Authorities located within its territorial jurisdiction, or
Notaires registered in that jurisdiction

There is no single central apostille office for all of France.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Apostille in France

Step 1: Identify the Competent Cour d’Appel

You must apply to the Court of Appeal that has jurisdiction over the issuing authority, not necessarily where you live.

Examples:

A Paris birth certificate → Cour d’appel de Paris
A Lyon notarial act → Cour d’appel de Lyon

Submitting to the wrong court will cause delays or rejection.

Step 2: Prepare the Document

Before submitting, ensure that:

The document is an original or a properly certified copy
The signature and stamp are clear and legible
Notarial documents are signed by a French notaire
The document is recent enough for the receiving authority

Photocopies without certification are generally not accepted.

Step 3: Submit the Apostille Application

Most Cour d’appel accept apostille requests by:

Post, or
In person (limited locations)

Unlike some countries, France does not yet have a fully centralised online apostille application system for all document types.

Typically required:

The original document
A completed apostille request form (if required by the court)
A prepaid return envelope (for postal applications)

There is no government fee for issuing an apostille in France.

Step 4: Processing Time

Processing times vary by court:

Typically 2–10 business days
Busy courts (e.g. Paris) may take longer

Documents are returned with the apostille either:

Attached as a separate certificate, or
Affixed directly to the document

Using French Apostilles Overseas

Once apostilled:

The document is valid in all Hague Convention countries
No embassy or consular legalisation is required

However, the receiving authority may still require:

A certified translation
A document issued within a certain timeframe

Certified Translation Requirements

If the destination country does not accept French-language documents:

A certified translation is usually required
Some authorities require:
- The translator’s certification to be notarised
- A separate apostille on the translation

Translation rules depend on the destination country, not France.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Sending documents to the wrong Cour d’appel
❌ Submitting uncertified copies
❌ Apostilling documents for non-Hague countries (where legalisation is required instead)
❌ Forgetting translation requirements
❌ Assuming apostilles expire (they usually do not, but documents may)

Apostille vs Legalisation in France

Apostille: Used for Hague Convention countries
Legalisation: Required for non-Hague countries and involves embassy or consulate authentication

Always confirm which process applies before applying.

Applying from Outside France

If you are overseas, you may:

Apply by post directly to the relevant Cour d’appel, or
Use a professional apostille service or French notaire to handle the process on your behalf

This is common for:

Overseas French nationals
Migration and visa applicants
International business transactions

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