My Apostille

M: +61 0410187654 info@myapostille.com.au

Italy Apostille

How to Obtain an Apostille in Italy (Apostilla dell’Aja)

If you need to use an Italian public document abroad, you may be required to obtain an apostille. Italy is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning Italian documents can be recognised in other Convention countries without further embassy or consular legalisation.

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

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 does not confirm the truth or legal effect of the document’s contents.

Once apostilled, an Italian document is valid for use in all other Hague Convention countries.

Which Italian Documents Can Be Apostilled?

Common Italian documents eligible for apostille include:

  • Birth, marriage, and death certificates (atti di stato civile)
  • Criminal record certificates (Certificato del Casellario Giudiziale)
  • Court judgments and judicial documents
  • Notarial acts and powers of attorney
  • University degrees and academic certificates
  • Company records and commercial documents

Private documents generally must first be notarised by an Italian notaio before an apostille can be issued.

Who Issues Apostilles in Italy?

Italy uses a dual-authority system, depending on the type of document:

  • Prefettura – administrative documents (civil status certificates, criminal records, certificates issued by municipalities or ministries)
  • Procura della Repubblica – judicial documents and notarised acts

There is no central national apostille office. The apostille must be obtained from the competent local authority.

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

Step 1: Identify the Competent Authority

You must apply to:

  • The Prefettura for administrative documents, or
  • The Procura della Repubblica attached to the court that certified or issued the document

Examples:

  • A Milan birth certificate → Prefettura di Milano
  • A notarised power of attorney signed in Rome → Procura della Repubblica di Roma

Submitting to the wrong authority will result in delays or rejection.

Step 2: Prepare the Document

Before applying, ensure:

  • The document is an original or an official certified copy
  • The signature and stamp are clearly visible
  • Notarial acts are signed by a registered notaio
  • The document is recent enough for the receiving authority

Uncertified photocopies are generally not accepted.

Step 3: Submit the Apostille Application

Applications can usually be submitted:

  • In person
  • By post
  • Through an authorised representative

Many offices require:

  • The original document
  • A short written request
  • A copy of identification

Italy does not charge a government fee for issuing an apostille.

Step 4: Processing Time

Indicative processing times:

  • Same day to 3 business days for in-person applications
  • 3–10 business days for postal applications

Processing times vary by city and workload.

Using Italian 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 Italian-language documents:

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

Translation requirements depend on the destination country, not Italy.

Apostille vs Legalisation in Italy

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

Always confirm which process applies before applying.

Applying from Outside Italy

If you are overseas, you can:

  • Apply by post to the competent Prefettura or Procura
  • Authorise a representative in Italy
  • Use a professional apostille or notary service

This is common for:

  • Migration and citizenship applications
  • Overseas employment
  • Inheritance and estate matters
  • International business transactions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Applying to the wrong authority
❌ Submitting uncertified copies
❌ Forgetting translation requirements
❌ Assuming apostilles expire (documents may, but apostilles generally do not)
❌ Confusing apostille with embassy legalisation