Issuance of apostille

The Hague Apostille is an international certificate that authenticates the origin of public documents (such as certificates, diplomas, and powers of attorney) so that they are legally valid in other signatory countries, simplifying the process. It replaces the former “consular legalization”, eliminating bureaucratic steps. In São Tomé and Príncipe, the apostille is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Directorate of Consular Affairs.

Purpose: It certifies the signature, capacity, and seal on a document, allowing it to be used abroad.

Accepted Countries: Applicable only among the more than 120 countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention (e.g., Portugal, Cape Verde, the United Kingdom, Germany).

Common Documents: Birth/marriage certificates, diplomas, academic transcripts, powers of attorney, criminal records documents.

Validity: The apostille itself does not expire, but it does not change the validity of the original document (e.g., criminal record certificates may expire).

Fee: Obtaining the Apostille costs 100 dobras and may be paid at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs service desk through the POS system or at the Central Bank.