It is well-known that the standard international format for legalisation of most documents is through Apostille den Haag (i.e. legalisation of documents in accordance with the procedures of the 1961 Hague Convention for Apostille), information on which is included later in our website. However, although the Apostille den Haag may be the international 'norm' for legalisation, it is far from being a 'magic wand' that will lead to documents being accepted in all countries.

There are many jurisdictions worldwide (i.e. Denmark, Poland, Canada, Singapore) which have not signed the Hague Convention for different reasons, and in these countries an Apostille is not locally accepted and has no legal force. In certain other countries, even though they may be signatories to the Hague Convention, officials or banks may not recognise the status of the Apostille and will ask for a more conventional style of legalisation i.e. - in consulate of appropriate country.

Accordingly, part of the I.O.S. service is to provide effective Consular legalisations of corporate (foundation) documents from all jurisdictions of incorporation where such legalisation is possible, including those in Europe, Asia, North and Central America. In most countries, the cost of a Consular legalisation for a full set of corporate documents will not exceed $420-480.