Do Apostille Documents Need a Translation?

An apostille certifies the authenticity of a public document so it can be used in another country that is a party to the Hague Apostille system. A common point of confusion is whether an apostilled document must also be translated before it will be accepted abroad. The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no—it depends on where and how the document will be used.

What an Apostille Does (and Does Not Do)

An apostille does not translate your document. It only confirms:

the authenticity of the signature,
the capacity of the signer, and
the identity of the seal or stamp on the document.

The apostille itself is issued in a standardized format, often bilingual or multilingual, but the underlying document remains in its original language.

When a Translation Is Required

You will usually need a translation if:

The receiving authority does not work in the document’s language.
For example, an English-language birth certificate used in France, Japan, or Brazil will almost always need a translation into French, Japanese, or Portuguese respectively.
Local law or institutional rules require it.
Courts, civil registries, immigration authorities, and universities often mandate translations regardless of apostille status.
The document is being relied on for legal effect.
Documents such as powers of attorney, court orders, contracts, marriage certificates, and academic transcripts typically must be translated so the receiving authority can understand their contents.

When a Translation May Not Be Required

A translation may be unnecessary if:

The document is already in an official or widely accepted language of the destination country (e.g. English in some administrative contexts).
The receiving institution explicitly confirms that no translation is needed.
The apostille is used only for informational or preliminary purposes, not for a formal legal act.

How Translations Are Usually Done

If a translation is required:

It is often done by a certified or sworn translator in the destination country.
Some countries require the translation itself to be notarised or apostilled.
In other cases, the apostille remains on the original document, and the translation is attached as a supporting document.

There is no universal rule—requirements vary by country and even by authority within the same country.

Practical Example

An Australian university degree apostilled in Australia for use in Italy:
✔ Apostille required
✔ Italian translation almost always required
✔ Sometimes the translation must be sworn in Italy

Key Takeaways

An apostille does not replace a translation.
Whether you need a translation depends on the destination country and receiving authority.
Always check requirements before ordering translations, as format and certification rules vary.
When in doubt, confirm with the end user (court, embassy, registry, university) to avoid delays or rejection.

If you’re preparing documents for overseas use, getting advice early can save time and prevent costly re-work—especially where apostilles and certified translations intersect.