DFA Apostille Requirements – DFA Apostille for Philippine Document
DFA Apostille Requirements. In today’s globalized world, verifying the authenticity of documents for international use is more important than ever. If you’re planning to study, work, or migrate abroad from the Philippines, you’ve probably heard of terms like Red Ribbon or DFA Apostille. As of May 14, 2019, the Philippines officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention, replacing the old “Red Ribbon” authentication system with the Apostille certificate, simplifying the process of document legalization.
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the DFA Apostille Requirements, how to apply, which documents you need, how much it costs, and how you can benefit from the services of professional agencies like FileDocsPhil.
What Is a DFA Apostille?
An Apostille is a certificate issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is used when documents are intended for use in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Instead of requiring embassy legalization, apostilled documents are recognized directly by countries under the agreement. This greatly streamlines international document use for personal, educational, business, or legal purposes.
Countries That Accept Apostille Certificates
Not all countries accept Apostille certificates. If you’re submitting documents to a country not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, further legalization from the foreign country’s embassy is needed.
Refer to the official DFA Apostille website for the complete and updated list of participating countries: www.apostille.gov.ph
What Are the DFA Apostille Requirements?
Before heading to your appointment, ensure that you have the correct type of document and that it meets the criteria outlined by the DFA.
Here’s a table summarizing the most common DFA Apostille Requirements for different document types:
Required Documents for Apostille
| Document Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| NBI Clearance | Original with dry seal, verifiable online |
| PSA Certificates (Birth, Marriage, Death, CENOMAR) | Original PSA copy (must be clear and QR details must match) |
| Educational Documents | Certified True Copies + CAV from DepEd, CHED, TESDA |
| PRC Certificates | Original or certified copy from PRC |
| Medical Certificates | With DOH stamp or DOH-issued certification |
| CAAP Documents | Certified by Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines |
| Driver’s License | LTO-issued certificate of license |
| Certificates from Private Entities | Notarized Affidavit + Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) |
| Court Documents | Certified True Copy from the issuing court |
| DSWD Clearance | Original issued by DSWD |
| Police Clearance | Issued by PNP |
| Business and Government-Issued Documents | Certified by SEC, DTI, BIR, SSS, etc. |
| Barangay and Mayor’s Certificates | Mayor’s office has jurisdiction over Barangay |
| Export Documents | Certified by appropriate government agency (DOH, DA, BFAD, PCCI) |
| Passport Certification | Must come from DFA Aseana Passport Director’s Office |
Additional DFA Apostille Requirements for Representatives
If someone else is processing documents on your behalf, additional documentation is required:
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) or Authorization Letter
- Valid Government ID (photocopy and original) of both document owner and representative
- Proof of Relationship (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- For Companies: SEC GIS or Company ID showing position
How to Use the DFA Apostille Appointment System
Gone are the days of long, disorganized queues. The DFA has introduced an online appointment system for Apostille services to ensure an orderly process.
Steps to Book an Appointment:
- Visit the official DFA Apostille Appointment Website: https://appointment.apostille.gov.ph/
- Select the document type and purpose.
- Choose a preferred DFA branch and date.
- Fill in your personal and document details.
- Print or save your confirmation slip to present at the DFA office.
Note: Walk-ins are typically discouraged, so online booking is recommended.
DFA Apostille Cost and Processing Time
Cost Breakdown
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular Processing | ₱100 per document |
| Expedited (Rush) | ₱200 per document |
| VFS Global Service Fee | ₱800 (if processed via VFS satellite offices) |
Processing Time
- Regular: Up to 5 working days
- Rush/Expedited: As fast as 2 working days
Always bring exact change when paying in person.
Special Considerations Before Applying
To avoid delays or rejections, consider the following:
- Confirm if your receiving country accepts Apostille certificates.
- Make sure all documents are certified by the issuing agency before applying.
- If applying for a minor, ensure the SPA is signed by the parent or guardian.
- For family member documents, include proof of relationship.
- Ask your receiving party if they accept e-Apostille (some countries require physical copies only).
How FileDocsPhil Can Help You
Navigating government offices, preparing proper certifications, and meeting deadlines can be stressful. That’s where professional services like FileDocsPhil come in.
FileDocsPhil Offers
- Document review and verification
- Queuing and submission at DFA
- Pick-up and delivery of apostilled documents
- Assistance with notarization, PSA document acquisition, RTC authentication, and more
- Rush and regular processing depending on your timeline
If you’re busy or living abroad, outsourcing to a reliable service like FileDocsPhil can save you time, money, and stress.
Summary of Key DFA Apostille Reminders
| Checklist | ✅ |
|---|---|
| All documents are original and properly certified | ✅ |
| Booked an online appointment via the DFA Apostille Portal | ✅ |
| Valid government-issued ID on hand | ✅ |
| Know your document’s destination country and its Apostille status | ✅ |
| Brought SPA or Authorization if applying for someone else | ✅ |
FAQs About
Can I apostille photocopies of my documents?
Ans: No. Only original documents or certified true copies are accepted.
How long is the DFA Apostille valid?
Ans: An Apostille does not expire. However, the validity of the document itself (like police clearance or NBI) may be limited.
What if I need to apostille a document for a non-member country of the Apostille Convention?
Ans: You’ll need to go through embassy legalization after the DFA certification.
Conclusion
The requirements for obtaining an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are essential for anyone who needs to use Philippine documents overseas. Whether you’re applying for a visa, studying overseas, or handling legal matters in another country, getting an apostille is a crucial step.
