Embassy and Consular Legalization in the Philippines
DFA authentication followed by embassy or consulate legalization for countries outside the Apostille Convention.
An apostille is only recognized between countries that are both party to the Apostille Convention. When your document is going to a country outside the Convention, or to a country that objected to the Philippines' accession, it must follow the traditional chain: authentication by the DFA, then legalization by the embassy or consulate of the destination country in Manila.
Each embassy has its own appointment system, fees, formats and processing times, and requirements change often. We keep track of them for you. We prepare the document, obtain the DFA authentication, submit it to the right embassy or consulate, and add a certified translation into Arabic, Chinese or another language when the destination requires it.
What is included
- Confirmation of the correct route for your destination country
- DFA authentication (Certificate of Authentication)
- Submission and release at the embassy or consulate
- Certified translation into the destination country's language
- Legalization of foreign documents for use in the Philippines
- Courier delivery in the Philippines and worldwide
Documents we commonly handle
- Employment contracts and diplomas for work visas in the Gulf
- PSA civil registry documents for family visas and marriages
- Company documents for branch registration and tenders abroad
- Powers of attorney and affidavits
- Medical, police and NBI clearances
- Commercial invoices and certificates of origin
How it works
- 1
Send your document
Upload a scan or photo through our form or email it to us, and tell us where it will be used.
- 2
Receive your quote
We confirm the required steps, the price and the timeline. No obligation.
- 3
We do the work
Translation, notarization, apostille or legalization: we handle every office and queue.
- 4
Delivered to you
Digital copies by email and originals by courier anywhere in the Philippines or abroad.
Destination countries
Available across the Philippines
- Manila
- Quezon City
- Makati
- Baguio
- Angeles City
- Iloilo City
- Bacolod
- Cebu City
- Zamboanga City
- Cagayan de Oro
- Davao City
- General Santos
Frequently asked questions
Which countries still require embassy legalization?
Countries outside the Apostille Convention, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Taiwan, as well as Germany, which objected to the Philippines' accession. Thailand has joined the Convention with effect from 28 February 2027; until then legalization applies. Requirements change, so we always confirm the current route in your quote.
Is the 'red ribbon' still used?
No. The red ribbon was replaced in 2019. Documents for apostille countries now receive an apostille; documents for other countries receive a DFA Certificate of Authentication before embassy legalization.
Can you legalize foreign documents for use in the Philippines?
Yes. Documents issued in a non-Convention country must be legalized by the Philippine embassy or consulate there. We coordinate the process with our international offices and translate the documents into English if needed.
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