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Translation of documents and Apostille


PLEASE NOTE: As of January 11, 2024, the Hague Convention on the Apostille comes into effect in Canada. Canadian Authorities will change the procedures for authenticating Canadian certificates and documents to be used abroad. In many cases, the double step (Global Affairs Canada or Provincial Service authentication and Consulate legalization) will no longer be necessary; instead, the Apostille issued by the relevant Canadian offices will suffice. Click here for more information.


TRANSLATIONS

This Consulate DOES NOT carry out translations. All translations submitted to this Consulate must be done by an ATIO certified translator whose signature is on file at the Consulate (list of translators – link will open in a new tab).

For further information on documents that must be translated into Italian to be registered in Italy, kindly click on the relevant item of the menu (Civil Registry, Citizenship, Repatriation of Human Remains etc.).


APOSTILLE: HOW TO OBTAIN IT 

As of January 11, 2024, the Convention of The Hague on the Apostille enters into effect in Canada. This means that Global Affairs Canada and Provincial Authentication Services will no longer authenticate public documents or other notarized private documents. Instead, they will issue an Apostille (a certificate that will accompany the original document it refers to). The Apostille eliminates steps required to get documents accepted in countries where the convention is in effect (including Italy). As an example, if a document carries the apostille, the legalization by the Consulate General of Italy will no longer be required.

a) If a document  has been issued by the Authorities of Manitoba or North West Territories or if it has been notarized by Manitoba or NWT Authorities, the Apostille will be issued by Global Affairs Canada: Click here for information on the procedure to apply for an Apostille issued by Global Affairs Canada.

b) If a document has been issued or notarized in Ontario, the request for an Apostille will have to be sent to the Ministry for Public and Business Service Delivery of Ontario: Click here for information on the procedure to apply for an Apostille issued by MPSBD Ontario.

The following are some examples of documents that can be apostillized by Global Affairs Canada and Provincial Services:

  • Vital certificates (birth, marriage, death)
  • School or academic certificates and diplomas, provided that they are authenticated by a notary
  • Certificate of non-impediment to marriage
  • Translations of legal documents, RCMP criminal record checks, medical reports, provided that they are notarized, signed or sealed by a Canadian lawyer, solicitor, notary or commissioner of oaths whose signature is not already registered at this office
  • All documents issued by a federal or provincial authority, provided that they are signed by an official of that particular government and include the signing officer’s title.

Please, note: there is no need to have the Apostille certificate translated into Italian.

TRANSLATIONS CARRIED OUT BY ATIO CERTIFIED TRANSLATORS

During this transitional phase, the Consulate will keep legalizing translations carried out by ATIO certified translators whose signature is on file with this Consulate (list available here).  Please note that a consular fee is due for the legalization of translators’ signature (art. 69 of the Consular Fee).

If you wish to contact a translator not registered with our Consulate, you may do so but, in order for that translation to be used/recognized in Italy:

  1. You will have to have the translation notarized by a notary public/lawyer operating in Canada;
  2. Following point 1, you will have to apply for the Apostille issued either by Global Affairs Canada or by the Official Documents Service of Ontario, based on where your translation is notarized.

Once your translation is apostillized, no further legalization of the Consulate will be required.