Apostille & document legalization for Malta

What Is an Apostille and Why You Need It for Malta

An apostille is an official stamp or certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. If you're moving to Malta, getting married there, starting a business, or enrolling in school, you'll likely need to present documents from your home country—like birth certificates, diplomas, or marriage licenses. Malta recognizes apostilles as proof that these documents are genuine, so you won't have to go through a longer, more complicated legalization process.

The apostille system exists because many countries, including Malta, are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention. This agreement makes it much easier to use foreign documents across borders.

Apostille vs. Full Legalization

Apostille is faster and simpler. It's a single official certification that proves a document is real. Most countries, including Malta, accept apostilles.

Full legalization is older and more complex. It involves multiple steps through your country's foreign ministry and the Maltese embassy or consulate. You'd only need this if your home country hasn't signed the Hague Convention—which is rare today. Always check if Malta accepts an apostille first; it almost certainly does.

Which Documents Need an Apostille?

You typically need apostilles for:

• Birth, marriage, or death certificates
• Divorce decrees or court orders
• Educational diplomas and transcripts
• Professional licenses or credentials
• Police clearance certificates
• Employment letters or references
• Property deeds or financial documents

If you're unsure whether a specific document needs certification, contact Malta's immigration office or the organization in Malta that will receive your papers (like your employer or university).

How to Get an Apostille

Step 1: Identify the issuing authority. Your document was issued by a specific office—a court, school, government agency, or registry. That office must provide the apostille.

Step 2: Contact the issuing authority. Call, email, or visit in person. Ask if they provide apostilles directly or if you need to submit a request through your national government's office responsible for apostilles (often the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Justice).

Step 3: Submit your document. Mail, email, or deliver the original or certified copy, along with any required request form.

Step 4: Receive your apostille. The issuing authority will attach an official stamp or certificate to your document. Processing times vary by country and office.

Costs and Processing Time

Apostille fees are usually modest—often between 10 and 50 euros or your country's equivalent. Some countries offer them free for certain documents. Processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the office's workload.

Tip: If you need apostilles quickly, consider hiring a local document service in your home country—they specialize in handling these requests and may speed things up.

What to Do When You Arrive in Malta

Bring all your apostilled documents with you. If a Maltese organization asks for additional certified copies, you can usually get them from the national records office in Malta or request more apostilles from your home country.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.