FAQ Apostille Seychelles
Comprehensive Guidance on Seychelles Document Legalisation.
Do you have questions about the validity of your Seychelles documents abroad? Whether you are opening an international bank account, setting up a branch office, or proofing personal records, the apostille process is a critical step.
On this page, we have compiled the most vital information based on our daily practice at the Supreme Court of Seychelles.
As a dedicated service provider located directly in Victoria, we don’t just provide answers—we provide the local expertise to execute these requirements for you.
How to use this FAQ:
We have organized our experience into four categories to help you find specific answers regarding legal recognition, document requirements, logistical timelines, and complex expert cases.
If your specific question isn’t covered or you require immediate assistance with notarised copies or to issue new official documents from the Seychelles Government, please reach out to our team via WhatsApp for a direct consultation.
1. General Information & Recognition (FAQ)
Yes, the Seychelles have been a member of the Hague Convention of 12 October 1961 since its independence. Therefore, an apostille is the standard form of legalization for all documents issued in Victoria. Seychelles formally joined the Convention on 31 March 1979.
All member states of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961 accept a Seychelles apostille without further legalisation. This includes Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, China, India, Japan, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, and over 120 others.
Non-member countries require full consular legalisation instead of an apostille. Common examples include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Taiwan. Thailand approved accession in December 2025, but until it enters into force, consular legalisation may still be required.
An apostille is a simplified form of legalization used between countries that are members of the Hague Convention. For non-member countries, a more complex process involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassy (Authentication) is required.
Seychelles apostilles are issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court. They feature a physical seal, a signature, and a unique reference number. The Supreme Court maintains a register of issued apostilles and can confirm issuance upon request.
An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity of the person who signed the document, and the identity of the seal or stamp. It does not certify the content or accuracy of the document itself.
Are the Seychelles a member of the Hague Convention?
Which countries accept a Seychelles apostille?
Which countries do NOT accept an apostille from Seychelles?
What is the difference between an apostille and legalization?
How can I verify the authenticity of a Seychelles Apostille?
What does an apostille actually certify?
2. Documents & Requirements (FAQ)
Common documents include birth, marriage, and death certificates, and corporate documents such as Certificates of Incorporation, Good Standing, or Official Search. Here you find all documents who can have an Hague apostille. Private documents like Powers of Attorney (PoA) require prior Seychelles notarisation.
No. An apostille must be physically attached to the original document. Scans or PDFs are not accepted. If you lack the original, we can obtain newly issued official copies (e.g., Birth Certificates or Certificates of Good Standing) directly from the authorities.
Yes, but the copy must first be certified as a true copy by a Notary Public in the Seychelles. We coordinate this notarization before presenting it to the Supreme Court.
No. An apostille must be issued by the country where the document originated. Seychelles authorities can only apostille documents issued in Seychelles, or foreign documents that have been notarised locally by a Seychelles notary.
Laminated documents are rejected by the Supreme Court. Documents that are heavily damaged or have unreadable seals are also problematic. If your original is laminated, we can usually arrange a duplicate through the issuing authority.
If the destination country has a different official language than, english or french, a certified translation is usually required. This can be done before the apostille (apostilled as part of the document) or after by a sworn translator in the destination country.
Which documents can be apostilled in the Seychelles?
Can a scanned document or PDF be apostilled?
Can I apostille a copy of my passport?
Can a foreign document be apostilled in Seychelles?
Can laminated, stapled or hole-punched documents be apostilled?
Do I need a certified translation of my Seychelles document?
3. Process, Logistics & Payment (FAQ)
Standard processing is 24–48 hours. Documents submitted before 10:30 AM are often ready by 14:00 the same day. Including worldwide DHL Express delivery, the total timeline is usually 5 to 7 business days.
Yes, same-day processing is possible depending on court workload. For urgent matters, please contact us via WhatsApp to confirm timing before sending your documents.
No. Our service handles the entire process on the ground in Victoria for you. You send us the documents, or we obtain them directly from the registry.
Yes, we ship all legalized documents worldwide via DHL Express. You will receive a tracking number as soon as your documents leave our office in the Seychelles.
The Supreme Court of Seychelles is the primary authority. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also listed, day-to-day issuance is handled by the Registrar at the Supreme Court in Victoria.
The official fee for an Hague apostille are 79 € per document. Our service fees include handling, DHL worldwide shipping are optional costs, depend on the country. We accept common international payment, like credit cards, Paypal and crypto.
How long does the apostille process in Seychelles really take?
Do you offer expedited or same-day apostille service?
Do I need to be personally present in the Seychelles?
Do you offer international express shipping?
Which authority issues apostilles in Seychelles?
How high are the costs and which payment methods are accepted?
4. Expert Knowledge & Special Cases (FAQ)
An apostille itself does not expire. However, receiving authorities (like banks) often require documents and apostilles to be no older than 3 to 6 months.
Most banks require a Certificate of Good Standing with apostille to be no older than 3 months. Some fintechs require documents issued within 30 days. We recommend ordering a fresh certificate for bank applications.
This is a complex case. Generally, the company must be in ‘Good Standing’. If your company is struck off, we provide specialized consulting on whether to restore the company or request specific historical records.
Common reasons include: the document being too old, missing a certified translation, or the destination country requiring full legalisation because it is not a Hague member.
Frequently requested are the Certificate of Incorporation, Good Standing, Official Search, M&A, and Register of Directors. Private resolutions and POAs must be notarised in Seychelles first.
Does an apostille expire?
How old can a Certificate of Good Standing be for bank account opening?
Can I obtain an apostille for a company that has been struck off?
Why was my Seychelles apostille rejected in another country?
What documents are most commonly apostilled for Seychelles IBCs?