In Israel, an apostille is a certification that authenticates documents for international use, making them valid in other countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Israel is a member of the convention, so documents from Israel can be apostilled for use in other member countries.
Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in Israel:
- Determine the Document Type: Common documents that can be apostilled in Israel include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Legal documents (such as powers of attorney, affidavits, or contracts)
- Notarized documents (such as notarized affidavits)
- Obtain the Document: The document should be issued by an Israeli government authority or a registered notary, such as:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by the Israeli Ministry of the Interior or the Population and Immigration Authority.
- Academic documents issued by Israeli universities or educational institutions.
- Notarized documents from a licensed Israeli notary public.
- Notarization (if needed): Some documents, such as contracts or powers of attorney, must be notarized before they can be apostilled. If the document requires notarization, ensure that it is signed and stamped by an Israeli notary public.
- Submit the Document to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs: In Israel, the apostille is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The MFA is the official authority responsible for processing apostille requests. You can request the apostille in person or by mail. The Ministry has offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
- Complete the Request Form: You will need to fill out a Request for Apostille form. The form is typically available on the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at the Ministry offices. The request form asks for details about the document you are submitting and your contact information.
- Pay the Apostille Fee: There is a fee for the apostille service. The fee can be paid in cash, credit card, or postal check. The amount varies, so it’s best to check the Ministry’s website or inquire directly for the current fee.
- Processing Time:
- In-person applications: Apostille processing typically takes 1-2 business days for documents submitted in person.
- By mail: If you submit documents by post, the process may take longer, around 5-10 business days, depending on postal times and the volume of requests.
- Collect the Apostilled Document: Once the apostille has been applied, you can either pick up the apostilled document at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or receive it by mail, depending on how you submitted the original document.
Key Points:
- Israel is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents apostilled in Israel are recognized in other member countries, and vice versa.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the official body for issuing apostilles in Israel. Other authorities or embassies cannot issue apostilles.
- For documents from abroad to be used in Israel, they must first be apostilled in the country of origin.
Documents and Information You Will Need:
- The original document you want to be apostilled.
- A completed request form.
- Proof of identity (such as a passport or ID card) may be required.
- Payment for the apostille fee.
Where to Go for Apostille in Israel:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), located in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, handles apostille services. The main office is in Jerusalem, but apostille services are also available at the consular section in Tel Aviv. Jerusalem Office Address:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 9 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd., Jerusalem, Israel
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10 Ha-Avoda St., Tel Aviv, Israel
For further details on the apostille process, fees, or any changes in procedures, you can visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact their consular department.