Notice to applicants. The Apostille Convention comes into effect in Canada on January 11, 2024

As of January 11, 2024, the Apostille Convention (a Convention to which Italy has already been a party for years) has come into effect in Canada.

The Apostille makes official documents issued by Canadian Authorities valid, without further steps, in all Countries that adhere to the Convention, including Italy.

As of January 11, 2024, an official document issued in Canada by Canadian Authorities (e.g., a birth certificate issued in Ontario or a Manitoba Bachelor’s Degree) will be “apostilled”– that is, endowed with an Apostille certificate – by the relevant Canadian Authorities and will be considered valid in Italy as well, without having to request legalization at the relevant Italian Consulate.

The Apostille will take the form of a certificate issued by Canadian Authorities and associated with the document to which it refers.
Procedures for requesting the Apostille will vary from Province to Province.

Information regarding the entry into effect of the Apostille Convention has recently been made available by the Canadian authorities at this link. Careful reading is highly recommended.

This Consulate is NOT responsible for the Apostille service, which is provided exclusively by the relevant Canadian Authorities.

Specifically, with reference to the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto:

In the coming weeks, the Consulate’s website will be updated with guidance on how the coming into effect of the Apostille will result in changes (simplifications) in the documentation to be submitted to apply for certain consular services (e.g: Declarations of Value, requests for registration of civil registry certificates in Italy etc.).

Before applying for consular services, it is recommended that you carefully read what is stated in the relevant section of this website.