What is Apostille?

The Hague Apostille (or simply called endorsement, also in French: apostille: means certify, authenticate or complete.) Aims to simplify the legalization of documents to verify their authenticity, in order to be valid internationally, making unnecessary diplomatic or consular legalization or other certifications. Physically consists of a sheet is added to documents by the competent authority stamp on the document wich will be used in another State Party to the Hague Convention. The inscription carries the inscriptions in French "Apostille" and "(Haye du 5 octobre 1961)" in the header, followed by the authentication entries in the language of the issuing State.

Apostilles are affixed by Competent Authorities designated by the government of a state which is party to the convention. A list of these authorities is maintained by the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

The application of the Apostille is carried out in Japan by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (GAIMUSHO), based on personal request and the presentation of the necessary documents. Further information on the conditions of Apostil application can be obtained from M.A.E. Documentation Legalization Directorate (Shomei-han). from Japan to 2-1-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo-to, phone 03-3580-3311, interior 2308 and 2855.

According to art. 2 of the Law no. 42-XVI of 2 March 2006 on the Accession of the Republic of Moldova to the Convention on the Suppression of the Requirement of Extra-Legalization of Foreign Official Documents, done at The Hague on 5 October 1961 - The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova has been designated as responsible authority for the application of the apostille.

In the process of obtaining the apostille, the authorities of the Republic of Moldova or the Embassy DO NOT HAVE ANY ROLE, the holders of the documents having to address directly to the competent Japanese authority.