Apostille exemptions by country
Some countries have concluded conventions with France that exempt certain types of documents from apostille. This page helps you verify your situation before ordering.
Legal information, non-binding
This information is based on the official French conventional law table (updated 04/11/2025). It is provided for information only. The exemption may depend on the context of use of the document. If in doubt, check with the authorities of the destination country before placing an order. GO APOSTILLE cannot be held responsible for the interpretation made of these exemptions.
View the official France Diplomatie sourceWhat is an apostille exemption?
The apostille (Hague Convention, 1961) is an official stamp that authenticates a French public document for recognition abroad. But some countries have signed bilateral or multilateral conventions with France that make the apostille unnecessary: documents are recognised directly, without additional formality.
This is called a legalisation exemption. It can be total (all documents) or partial (only certain types of documents).
Competent authority since 2025
Since 1 May 2025, all French apostilles have been issued by the notarial service through 15 competent regional or interdepartmental councils and chambers, regardless of the type of public document.
Since 1 September 2025, those centres have also issued legalisations. The applicable formality still depends on the document, destination country and conventions in force.
Exemptions by country
Full exemption — all document types
These countries have a bilateral or European convention providing an exemption for the listed civil-status, judicial, notarial, administrative and signature documents.
Partial exemption — civil-status, judicial, administrative and signature documents
Most listed documents are exempt, but notarial deeds may still require an apostille.
Partial exemption — civil-status, judicial and notarial documents
Administrative documents and signature certifications are not exempt.
Civil-status documents only
Only civil-status records are exempt. Other documents may require an apostille.
Which documents are affected?
| Legal category | Affected documents |
|---|---|
| Civil status (I) | Birth, marriage and death certificates, family record book and certificate of single status |
| Judicial (II) | Company extracts and articles, meeting minutes, SIREN certificate, judgment or court decision |
| Notarial (IV) | Notarial deed, contract, power of attorney, will or document bearing an official date endorsement |
| Administrative (V) | Criminal record, nationality certificate, diploma, administrative certificate or employment certificate |
| Signatures (IX) | Signature certification or registration endorsement |
My country is exempt but I still need an apostille? Some foreign administrations sometimes request an apostille despite the conventional exemption. In this case, you can place an order normally — we process your file regardless of the country.
My country is not on the list? The formality depends on the document, destination country and applicable conventions. Contact us or check the official France Diplomatie table before ordering.
Unsure about your situation? Contact us before ordering.