You need to have your signature, or the seal and official signatures of an authority on a document, authenticated (legalised).

In accordance with the Ordinance on the Swiss Persons and Institutions Abroad, the Swiss representations abroad are among others authorized to legalise the seal and official signatures of the receiving state as well as the signatures of private persons.

Legalisation involves a written declaration by the person carrying out the legalisation (judicial or administrative authority, notary public) attesting to the authenticity of an official signature or seal on a public document, or of a private signature, so that the signature and/or seal will be accepted whenever the document is produced. The public official certifies only the authenticity of the signature and does not accept any responsibility as to the validity of the document or its content.

In this context Swiss representations have to check each request and to verify, among other things, if an agreement exists on abolishing the requirement for diplomatic or consular legalisation (apostille agreement) between the states concerned, and whether or not Swiss interests are involved.

The Swiss representation in question reserves the right to demand additional information and to reject a request for legalisation, if there is a risk of violating local legislation or of jeopardising Switzerland’s reputation.

Ordinance on Swiss Persons and Institutions Abroad (Ordinance on Swiss Abroad; RS 195.11)

Information concerning the legalisation of foreign civil status records for the purpose of registering a civil status event in Switzerland, will be found under the heading Civil Status on this website:

Civil Status

Necessary documents for the authentication of a private signature

Original documents to which the signature is to be attested (please do not pin pages)

Simple copies of all documents to be legalized;

Original and valid passport and / or ID of the applicant;

In case the Swiss interest is not shown in the document, we need a separate letter from the authority / company in Switzerland, that confirms the need for the authentication and explains the relation with Switzerland;

Tax in cash for each certification (page on PT), click here