I run the whole Apostille file for you: sworn translation and filing at the Public Prosecutor's Office, Prefecture or Chamber of Commerce. You hand me the document; I return a bundle that's ready to be used abroad.
«Personal sworn translation, verified terminology, on-time delivery.»
Law firm · long-standing client
The Apostille is the single stamp introduced by the Hague Convention: it certifies the authenticity of the signature and status of the Italian public official who signed the document, and makes it valid in 120+ signatory countries — from France to the United States, from the UK to Japan — with no further steps.
The Public Prosecutor's Office (Procura) apostilles judicial acts, notarial deeds and sworn translations. The Prefecture handles administrative papers (civil-status certificates, state-issued qualifications). The Chamber of Commerce signs corporate and trade documents. I know exactly where each type of document belongs.
Almost always. The destination country expects the text in its own official language: the sworn translation is bound to the original and, in many cases, apostilled in turn. I sequence the steps correctly, case by case.
The mirror image applies: a document issued abroad must be apostilled in the country of origin, then translated into Italian and sworn in Court here. I tell you exactly what to obtain before you send anything.
Birth, marriage, residence with Prefecture Apostille for marriages and citizenship abroad.
Qualifications with statement of value for enrolment at foreign universities or public competitions abroad.
Powers of attorney, sale deeds, incorporation documents apostilled by the Prosecutor for use overseas.
Company records, articles, Chamber certificates apostilled for tenders and cross-border deals.
Apostilled criminal records for work visas, immigration, international adoption.
Recognition in Italy of foreign judgments with sworn translation and Apostille.
All States party to the 1961 Hague Convention: France, Germany, the UK, Spain, the United States, Brazil, Russia, China (Hong Kong), Australia and many more. I always verify the current status of the destination country.
On average 5–10 working days for a straightforward Apostille. Timing depends on the competent office: you get precise tracking at every step.
Yes, but it's rarely useful — the foreign authority will need to read the text anyway. In practice I almost always recommend the sworn translation + Apostille package handled as a single file.
For Hague Convention countries, yes: it's the only stamp required. For non-signatory countries a different procedure applies, which we assess together before starting.