Legalization of a public act drawn up by a foreign authority

The legalization of a foreigner document may be required to make a approach in France.

For example, to apply for French nationality.

Legalization attest the following information:

• Veracity of the signature
• Function and authority of the signatory
• If necessary, seal identity or stamp mentioned on the document

An official legalization stamp is added to the document.

One public foreigner act intended to be produced in France must be legalized.

For example, a foreigners degree to enroll in a university in France.

However, international agreements provide for a exemption from legalization for some documents.

These include: certain public documents issued by a European Union countries. For example, a birth certificate.

To determine whether a document should be legalized, see the summary table of the current state of treaty law in legalization.

You can also find out from the embassy of the country of origin of the document.

Yes, a public document written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a translation into french made by a authorized translator.

This translation must be done before starting the legalization process.

The legalization of a document drawn up by a foreign authority shall be:

• €15 for a Frenchman on the foreigner register
• €25 for another user, of French or foreign nationality

However, a specific tariff may be applicable to foreigner nationals of certain countries.

Ask the relevant French embassy or consulate:

The French Ambassador or Head of Consular Post is competent to legalize the following public acts:

• Document issued by the authorities of his country of residence. For example, the French Embassy in Bangkok can legalize a Thai act.
• Document issued by the diplomatic and consular authorities of another country present in its country of residence. For example, the French Embassy in Bangkok may legalize a public act issued by the German Embassy in Bangkok.

The act must be pre-legalized by the competent authority of the issuing State. For example, the French Embassy in Bangkok may legalize a Thai act if that act is pre-legalized by the competent Thai authorities.

Depending on the embassy or consular post, the process is done by mail or on site.

Inquire at the French embassy or consulate:

You can receive a response to your request to legalize a foreigner public act in a four-month period.

In the absence of a response within 4 months from the date of receipt of your application, this means that your application is refused (rejection decision).

If you receive a negative response, or in the absence of a response within 4 months from the date of receipt of your request, you can make an ex gratia and/or hierarchical appeal, and/or a litigation in front of the Paris Administrative Court.

You have a deadline of 2 months from notification of the negative decision (in the absence of a reply, seeAR: titleContent of your request for the remedies and time limits).