Red Ribbon? Apostille? Ano ba yan? Hindi yan yung cake or nasa Bible. The DFA Apostille is a process by the Department of Foreign Affairs to make sure your papers are real.
If you’re a digital nomad, having important papers like a barangay clearance, tax identification number, and PSA birth certificate is a must!
Some documents need to be used in other countries, but how do they know if the papers are real? Hindi kasi malalaman ng ibang countries if fake ba yung document, so they trust the Philippine government to verify our records. That’s why you need an Apostille!
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What is an Apostille?
Before, when you wanted to pass a document abroad, “red ribbons” were placed on the document, so may red na ribbon sa left side ng document at may gold sticker.
It is a much longer process than today since kailangan pang i-present ang documents na may “Red Ribbon” sa foreign embassy.
On May 14, 2019, the Philippines joined the Apostille Convention, which made the authentication process easier and reduced processing time. No more red ribbons! Instead, an Apostille certificate with a gold round sticker and a QR code is used.
While waiting for document processing, having a portable phone stand can be useful for checking updates hands-free.
For hassle-free travel, securing proper documentation and travel insurance is essential. It ensures smooth immigration processing, protects against medical emergencies, and covers trip cancellations or lost belongings.
Being prepared makes every trip smoother!
Apostille vs. Authentication “Red Ribbon”
An Apostille makes the process faster and easier because you don’t need to go to an embassy for most countries. If a country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, it will accept an Apostille right away.
For long waiting times at DFA offices, carrying earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can make the experience more comfortable.
Countries That Accept Philippine Apostilles
Some countries still do not accept Philippine Apostilles.
If your document is for these non-apostille countries, you must go to their embassy in the Philippines to have it legalized.
Here is the updated list of countries where an Apostille in the Philippines is accepted as per the Apostille Convention Website:
Though the following are members of the Apostille Convention, the Philippine Apostille is not yet accepted, you need to go to their Embassy or Consulate for legalization:
- Austria
- Finland
- Germany
- Greece
For all other countries not on the Apostille list, check with their embassies.
Documents That Can Get Apostille in the Philippines
Here are the most common papers that need an Apostille, as stated by the Authentication Form:
1. NBI Clearance – Must be issued by NBI with a dry seal
2. Birth, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate, or CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record)
- An original document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) / National Statistics Office (NSO)
- For newly registered records, an LCR copy should be certified by PSA.
3. School Documents
Elementary and High School Level (Form-137 and Diploma)
- Certified True Copies from the school
- Certification, Authentication, and Verification (CAV) from DepEd Regional Office
Technical and Vocational Courses (TOR and Diploma / National Certificate)
- Certified True Copies from the school
- CAV from TESDA
Higher Education (TOR and Diploma)
- Certified True Copy and CAV from the school
Private or Local Colleges and Universities (TOR and Diploma)
- Certified True Copies from the school
- CAV from CHED
4. PRC License and Documents – Must be certified by PRC.
5. Medical Certificates
- For employment: DOH stamp per document
- For other purposes: Certification issued by DOH with attached Medical Certificate
6. Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) issued documents – Certified by CAAP
7. Driver’s License – Certification from Land Transportation Officer (LTO Main Branch only)
8. Certificate of Employment / Invitation Letter / Training / Seminars / Baptismal Certificates
- A notarized affidavit explaining the important details and listing the attached certificates.
- A Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) is signed by authorized officials from the Regional Trial Court (RTC).
9. Special Power of Attorney / Memorandum of Agreement / Memorandum of Understanding
- CANA signed by office-authorized signatories (issued by RTC)
10. Court Decisions or Resolutions – Must be a Certified True Copy from the court
11. Immigration Records – Certified by the Bureau of Immigration
12. DSWD Clearance – Original document issued
13. Police Clearance – Original document issued by PNP
14. Business Permits (SEC, DTI, BIR, SSS, etc.) – Must be a Certified True Copy from the issuing office.
15. Barangay Clearance – Mayor’s certification or clearance
16. Export Documents – Certified by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCCI), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), or by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), depending on the document.
Requirements for Apostille or Authentication at DFA
Here’s what you need to bring to the DFA office, along with the document for authentication or Apostille:
- Original and Photocopy of your ID
– Valid ID with your name and signature - If someone else is applying for you:
– Authorization Letter from you (If the applicant is minor, Original SPA from Parents)
– Photocopy of your valid ID
– Original and Photocopy of the representative’s valid ID
How Much is the Apostille Fee?
- PHP 200 per document (Expedited – ready in 1 working day)
- PHP 100 per document (Regular – ready in 4 working days)
Where to Get an Apostille or Get a Document Authentication?
You can go to any DFA Website that offers authentication services:
DFA Main Consular Office
Macapagal Boulevard, Parañaque City
[email protected]
DFA CO-Northeast
Ali Mall Government Center Level 2
Ali Mall Cubao, Quezon City
[email protected]
DFA CO-East
7th Floor, Building C, SM Megamall,
EDSA cor. J Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City
[email protected]
DFA CO-West
5th Floor, SM City Manila,
Conception St., Manila
[email protected]
DFA CO-South
4th Floor, Metro Alabang Town Center,
Alabang, Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City
[email protected]
DFA CO Pampanga
Robinson’s Place,
San Fernando, Pampanga
[email protected]
DFA CO Davao
3F SM Davao, Davao City
[email protected]
DFA CO Cebu
4th Level, Pacific Mall,
Mandaue City, Cebu
[email protected]
The DFA’s Consular Offices are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
Steps to Get an Apostille at DFA
1. Go to the DFA Office and get a number at the window. Fill out the Authentication form.
2. Present your original and photocopied valid ID with your documents.
3. Pay at the cashier. Keep the official receipt for future convenience.
4. Return on the release date with your receipt and ID to claim your document.
If your document is for a country that does not accept an Apostille (like Canada or Germany), you must still go to their embassy after getting an Apostille.
Apostille Documents During the Pandemic
DFA recommends using courier services for authentication to save time. Contact your nearest DFA office for delivery details.
If you must go in person, book an appointment first. For DFA ASEANA, email [email protected].
The Features of an Apostille Document:
Verify an Apostille online by scanning the QR code on the top left. Other security features include:
- QR Code (upper left portion)
- Eight-digit keycode (lower part of the certificate)
- Electronic signature of the Authentication Officer
- Round gold sticker
I hope this guide helps you authenticate your documents faster and easier!
Apostille is much better than the Red Ribbon since you only need to go to one place instead of visiting multiple offices.
Happy browsing!
FAQ
You can get an authorized representative to process Apostillization for you in case you can’t apply personally.
No, it will not. An Apostille is a separate certificate attached to your document and does not damage the original.
No, only Philippine public documents are eligible for Apostillization or Authentication by the DFA.
Your representative must have an Authorization Letter (or an Original Power of Attorney if the applicant is a minor), and the original and a photocopy of your valid ID (with signature).
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.