What is the Procedure to Obtain Document Legalization?
To obtain the legalization of a document, it must be an original signed by a public official, such as a public notary. Copies of documents and/or documents that are not considered public deeds cannot be legalized and will be rejected by the legalizing authority.
In France, legalization is performed by the Legalization Office of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (chancellery fees apply). Once this legalization is obtained, you must then contact the diplomatic or consular representation (Embassy or Consulate) in France of the country where the legalized document is to be used. For example, for documents to be used in China, you would need to go to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs first, followed by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in France.
This diplomatic representation will then perform an additional legalization (super-legalization) so that the document can be validly used in its territory (chancellery fees may vary depending on the embassy or consulate involved).
The legalization of documents intended for use abroad is generally mandatory. However, France has signed international treaties with some countries that waive the requirement for legalization or simplify it through the apostille process. The list of countries that have entered into such an international agreement with France can be found here.
As part of their certifying mission (for signature certification, true copy certification, or capacity certification), your public notary can assist you with the necessary steps to legalize documents on which they have applied their certification.
The notarial office Chassaint & Cerclé Notaires assists individuals and professionals in completing the necessary steps for the legalization of their documents. For more information, click here.
