The information contained in this document is marketing material and for informational purposes only. The information contained in this document is presented without any warranty or representation as to its accuracy or completeness and all implied representations or warranties of any kind are hereby disclaimed. Recipients of this document, whether clients or otherwise, should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in this document without seeking appropriate professional advice. The provision of the information contained in this document does not establish any express or implied duty or obligation between Citco and any recipient and neither Citco nor any of its shareholders, members, directors, principals or personnel shall be responsible or liable for results arising from the use or reliance of the information contained in this document including, without limitation, any loss (whether direct, indirect, in contract, tort or otherwise) arising from any decision made or action taken by any party in reliance upon the information contained in this document. © The Citco Group Limited, December 2024.
France – Changes to Apostille and Legalization Procedures
France has introduced significant changes to its apostille and legalization procedures, including the introduction of electronic apostilles (e-Apostilles) and a fully digitalized pre-registration system.
Effective 1st of September 2025, the Notaires de France (French Notaries) assumed responsibility for document legalization from the Ministry alongside a modernized system that aligns with international standards while maintaining document security under the Hague Convention framework.
The Hague Apostille Convention Context
France has been a member of the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (the Apostille Convention) since 1965.
This international treaty, which currently includes over 120 participating countries, simplifies the authentication of documents for use abroad by replacing the complex legalization process with a single formality – the issuance of an apostille certificate.
Key Changes
The new French system introduces several fundamental changes to document authentication:
- All legalization services are now handled by French notaries rather than the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
- Online pre-registration has become mandatory through the dedicated platform
- Electronic apostilles (e-Apostilles) are now available for participating countries
- Processing times are expected to improve significantly from the previous minimum of four weeks
Implementation Process
To obtain an apostille or legalization under the new system, applicants must:
1. Complete the mandatory online pre-registration
2. Submit original documents to an authorized French notary
3. Provide required supporting documentation, including:
• Application receipt from the online platform
• Pre-paid envelope for document return
• Payment confirmation for applicable fees
• Original documents in proper format (unstapled for scanning)
Business Impact
The new system offers several advantages for international business operations:
- Faster processing times for cross-border transactions
- Reduced bureaucratic complexity through streamlined procedures
- Enhanced accessibility through the nationwide notary network
- Digital solutions that align with modern business practices
How Mercator® by Citco (Mercator) Can Help
Our team can help navigate the new procedures, ensure proper document preparation, and facilitate timely processing. For support, please contact mercator@citco.com
