Legalisations

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:

Authentications

The Embassy of Switzerland authenticates the signatures of individual persons and translators that are accredited with the Swiss Embassy as well as documents authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

For authentications of signatures related to the opening of Swiss bank accounts, please contact the Philippine representative office of the respective bank directly. The Swiss Embassy is not authorized to authenticate signatures for this purpose.

In the matter of inheritances, please contact the Embassy to obtain more detailed information.

Please further note that the Embassy does not approve the content of the document, but only the signature of the applicant, the translator, or the employee of the DFA. However, it is not possible to authenticate a signature of a blank document.

A document can only be authenticated if it is to be used in Switzerland and serves Swiss interest. This must be clearly indicated in either the to-be-authenticated document or a separate statement, which has to be sent directly to the Embassy by mail or fax.

The consulate may reserve the right to request additional documentation or authentication by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

In some cases, the dossier has to be submitted to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA) for decision.

Authentication of civil documents (PDF, 2 Pages, 412.2 kB) 

Requirements for Consular Authentications

(Documents shall be authenticated directly at the Embassy counter window or sent via LBC)

  • Original documents to be authenticated (please do not staple together)
  • Personal appearance is required for authentications of signatures
  • Photocopies of documents to be authenticated
  • Photocopy of the applicant’s passport
  • If the connection to Switzerland is not clearly indicated in the documents, written statement on purpose of authentication and its relation to Switzerland is required. This statement has to be supported by copies of relevant documents
  • Processing fee of PHP 2,400 per authenticated document (to be paid in cash)
    Postage fee of PHP 250 if return of authenticated documents via LBC is requested

We are at your service for any questions and additional information.