Legalization / Authentication

Please note the following information regarding LEGALIZATION or AUTHENTICATION of FRENCH or MONEGASQUE GOVERNMENT ISSUED DOCUMENTS to be presented or submitted in the Philippines.

For Documents issued by the French Government:

• It MUST first be legalized by the Legalization Office (Bureau des Légalisations) of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. 

• For more information, please check this link: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/services-aux-francais/legalisation-1499/.

For Documents issued by the Monegasque Government:

• It MUST first be legalized by the Monegasque Ministry of State.

• For more information, please check this link: https://monservicepublic.gouv.mc/en/themes/you-and-the-government-services/authentication/legalising-a-signature.

MODES OF APPLICATION:

• PERSONAL (IN-PERSON)

Applications will be processed in order of arrival. No appointments required.

It will be accepted from Monday to Friday (except holidays), 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

• POSTAL MAIL

Please send the complete requirements at this address:

Authentication Unit

Consular Section

Philippine Embassy

45 Rue du Ranelagh

75016 Paris, France

REQUIREMENTS (to be submitted in this numerical order):

1. Duly accomplished/filled-out Service Request Form (SRF). In the form, please check "Legalization".

2. Original valid identification of the person (representative of the company) who will submit the document + colored photocopy of the ID (not back to back photocopy). A valid company ID is preferable.

3. Original legalized document + 1 colored photocopy (not back to back photocopy).

4. Legalization Fee (please see below information on Modes of Payment).

5. Prepaid self-addressed registered return A4 size envelope (recommandé avec avis de réception) with your complete mailing address [if applicable].

• It is your responsibility to write your correct address. You may wish to write your contact number in the envelope so that the delivery personnel can contact you, if necessary.

• Please record your tracking number so you can check the status of the documents which you sent through La Poste or other courier services. Please note that the Embassy is not liable for the loss/return/delay of your documents which you sent through La Poste or other courier services.

• For the safety of your documents, it is recommended to use “enveloppe à bulles” or “pochette XS”.  

• The recommended worth of stamps is €8.00 and above (depending on the weight of your documents). Please do not forget to attach the stamps in the envelope. The Embassy does not accept payment for stamps and mailing services. Do not put cash in the envelope as the Embassy is not liable for possible loss.

Processing Days and Consular Fees:

• Regular Processing - 3 working days = €27.50 per document

• Expedite Processing - 1 working day (to be released on the following working day at 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) = €38.50 per document. There is no same day processing and releasing.

• For Postal Mail Applications: The processing days will start on the date of receipt of the proper documents and correct payment.

Modes of Payment: 

• CASH (we do not accept debit and credit cards at this time). This is not applicable to postal mail applications. Please do not put cash in the envelope as the Embassy is not liable for possible loss.

• Cheque de Banque payable to “Ambassade des Philippines”. Company and Personal Cheques are NOT accepted.

• Bank Transfer - We will give you the Bank Transfer Advice (BTA) upon receipt of the advance/scanned copy (through email) of the documents legalized by the appropriate French or Monegasque authorities.

Requirements for the Releasing of Documents:

1. For pick-up by the applicant (or representative of the company)

• Original Official Receipt (OR)

• Original valid identification

2. For pick-up by authorized person 

• Original OR

• Originally signed authorization letter  

• Original + 1 photocopy of valid identification of the authorized person

3. For mailing (postal mail)

• Prepaid self-addressed registered return A4 size envelope (recommandé avec avis de réception) with the applicant’s complete mailing address.

• It is your responsibility to write your correct address. You may wish to write your contact number in the envelope so that the delivery personnel can contact you, if necessary.

• Please record your tracking number so you can check the status of the documents which you sent through La Poste or other courier services. Please note that the Embassy is not liable for the loss/return/delay of your documents which you sent through La Poste or other courier services.

• For the safety of your documents, it is recommended to use “enveloppe à bulles” or “pochette XS”.  

• The recommended worth of stamps is €8.00 and above (depending on the weight of your documents). Please do not forget to attach the stamps in the envelope. The Embassy does not accept payment for stamps and mailing services. Do not put cash in the envelope as the Embassy is not liable for possible loss.

OTHER OPTIONS 

FRENCH APOSTILLIZATION

Please note that on 14 May 2019, the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) entered into force for the Philippines. Both the Philippines and France are parties to the Apostille Convention. Thus, documents apostilled by the French Court of Appeal (Cour d’Appel) can be used in the Philippines without need for further legalization by the Embassy. 

For official translation, please check the Directory of Sworn Translators of France. 

For more information on the French apostille, please check this link: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R47867.

MONEGASQUE APOSTILLIZATION

Please note that on 14 May 2019, the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) entered into force for the Philippines. Both the Philippines and Monaco are parties to the Apostille Convention. Thus, documents apostilled by the Monaco Palais de Justice - Direction des Services Judiciaires can be used in the Philippines without need for further legalization by the Embassy.

For more information on the Monegasque apostille, please check this link: https://monservicepublic.gouv.mc/thematiques/justice/documents-et-demarches-judiciaires/apostille-direction-des-services-judiciaires/faire-apostiller-un-document.