What is an apostille?
An apostille confirms that a Swiss document is genuine so that it is recognised abroad. It is valid in all countries that have joined the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. Other countries additionally require legalisation by the destination country's embassy or consulate; we can help with this on request.
Important: an apostille can only be affixed to the original document, not to scans or PDFs.
Which documents?
- Commercial register extracts (certified)
- Land register extracts
- Debt collection register extracts, ordered from the competent debt collection office with your power of attorney
- Civil status documents such as birth, marriage or family certificates
- Notarised documents such as powers of attorney, wills or declarations
- Court documents and officially recognised diplomas
- Other documents on request
Criminal record extract? Please order it directly from the Swiss federal government, online from the Federal Office of Justice or at a Swiss post office. We will then be happy to have the apostille affixed.
Not eligible for an apostille are, for example, commercial contracts, invoices, customs documents and identity cards.
How it works
Place your order
Fill in the form below: which document, for which country.
Send power of attorney and ID
You receive a power of attorney from us for exactly this order. Once signed, you upload it together with a copy of your ID via our secure upload. For orders from abroad, you pay the amount stated in the cost overview in advance.
We take care of everything
We order the document from the competent office and obtain the apostille from the cantonal State Chancellery of the canton where the issuing authority or notary is based. For federal documents, the Federal Chancellery is responsible.
Shipping
By registered mail within Switzerland and abroad, or by express courier. On request, you receive a scan in advance.
Prices
- You already have the original and send it to us
- We obtain the apostille and return the document
- Return by registered mail within Switzerland included
- We order the document from the competent office
- We obtain the apostille
- Scan of the finished document by email in advance
- Registered mail within Switzerland included
- Legalisation for countries outside the Apostille Convention
- Urgent cases
- Larger orders
Surcharges
| Service | Price excl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Each additional document in the same order | CHF 49 (CHF 52.95 incl.) |
| Registered mail abroad | CHF 25 (CHF 27.05 incl.) |
| Express courier worldwide | by time and cost |
All prices excl. Swiss VAT, plus official fees. Official fees depend on the office and canton and are usually between approx. CHF 15 and CHF 50 per document. We pass them on without any mark-up.
What we need from you
- Signed power of attorney: it is valid for this single order only. We send it to you, prepared, after you place your order. For companies, the authorised signatories according to the commercial register sign.
- Copy of your ID: identity card or passport; for companies, of all signatories.
- For company documents: company name and, if available, the UID number.
- Destination country: the country in which the document will be used.
Some offices require an officially certified signature on the power of attorney. If this is necessary for your document, we will tell you in advance.
Please do not send your ID and power of attorney by email, but via our secure upload.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an apostille take?
If you already have the original, it usually takes 3 to 5 working days plus shipping. If we first need to order the document, please allow 5 to 10 working days plus shipping. The exact time depends on the office and the canton.
Can I not do this myself?
Yes, you can, and we say so openly. Often, however, you need the original, several offices, prepayments from abroad and procedures that differ from canton to canton. We take this work off your hands, especially if you live abroad.
Why do you need a power of attorney?
Many documents, such as debt collection register extracts or civil status documents, may only be released by the authorities to the person concerned or to an authorised representative. Your power of attorney allows us to order the document and obtain the apostille in your name. It is valid for this single order only and expires upon delivery, at the latest after three months.
When do I have to pay?
If you live abroad or your company is based abroad, you pay in advance. Together with the power of attorney, you receive a cost overview with our fee, the official fees and shipping. We start work as soon as the amount has been received.
Does it work with a scan or PDF?
No. An apostille can only be affixed to the original document.
Do I need a translation?
That depends on the destination country and on the office requesting the document. It is best to check with them. We are happy to advise you.
Can you obtain documents from other cantons?
Yes, from anywhere in Switzerland.
Do you order criminal record extracts?
No. Please order the criminal record extract directly from the Federal Office of Justice, online or at a Swiss post office. We will then be happy to have the apostille affixed.
Your Swiss document, legalised and delivered
Place your order below. If you have any questions, call us on +41 41 545 05 16 or write to info@dador.ch.