Frequently asked questions
Common questions about apostilles and documents
Start here if the terminology is unclear. For a specific case, the document and the recipient’s requirements must be assessed together.
- Concise answers
- Official sources
- Next steps
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I start if I do not know what my document needs?
Start with the document type, the country where it will be used and the intended recipient. If you have instructions or a checklist from the recipient, include them. This makes it easier to distinguish between an apostille, notarisation, a certified copy, translation and legalisation.
Do I need to send the original straight away?
You can usually start with a clear scanned copy. If the original is needed for comparison, signature certification or an apostille, you will receive separate instructions on what to send and how to label it.
Must I send the original?
Not always. It depends on the document, the required act and the recipient. Start with a digital copy for assessment and wait for instructions.
Is an apostille needed within the EU?
EU Regulation 2016/1191 may remove the apostille requirement for certain public documents. It does not cover every document or situation, so check the document type and recipient.
Check current information
Official sources for rules and competent authorities
- Länsstyrelsen – Notarius publicus
- HCCH – Sweden, Apostille authority
- Utrikesdepartementet – Legaliseringar
- Skatteverket – personbevis för utländska myndigheter
- EUR-Lex – Regulation (EU) 2016/1191
Country status, authority procedures and recipient requirements can change. Use these links to check the latest information for your case.
Next steps
Related guidance
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Continue readingTell us about your document case
Describe the document, destination country and recipient requirements so we can assess the right next step for your case.
Continue readingPractical guides for documents used abroad
Practical guides to apostille, legalisation, originals, translations and international document requirements.
Continue readingReady to organise your documents?
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State the document, country and recipient. You will receive a summary that makes the next step easier to assess.
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