After you incorporate your US company, you'll have a set of official documents: your Certificate of Incorporation, your EIN letter, your Bylaws. These are fine for use within the US.
But if you need to use those documents in another country, a foreign government, bank, or institution may not accept a US document at face value. That's where an apostille comes in.
An apostille is an official certification that confirms a document is authentic and was issued by a legitimate US authority. It's not a translation. It's not a notarization. It's a specific form of international authentication, recognized by countries that have signed the Hague Convention of 1961.
The apostille is attached to, or stamped on, the original document. Once apostilled, the document can be presented in any Hague Convention country without further authentication.
Most countries in the world are signatories, but it's worth double-checking that the specific country you need it for is on the list before you start the process.
Not every international situation requires an apostille. Here are the common scenarios where you will need one:
Opening a bank account in your home country using your US company documents. Many banks outside the US require apostilled incorporation documents before they'll open an account for a foreign company.
Registering your US company with a foreign government. If you need your US entity to be formally recognized in another country (for tax, employment, or regulatory reasons), they'll often ask for apostilled documents.
Visa applications that require proof of a US company. Some visa applications ask for apostilled documentation of your business.
Foreign investor or partner requirements. Occasionally, foreign entities you're dealing with will require apostilled documents as part of their due diligence.
Notarized documents used abroad. If you've had a document notarized in the US for use in another country, the apostille may need to go on the notarized version.
When in doubt, ask the institution or authority requesting the document whether they need an apostille specifically, before you start the process.
For a US company, the most commonly apostilled document is the Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of Good Standing for a C-Corp. These are state-level documents, filed with Delaware, and the apostille must come from the state where the document was issued.
Since most founders incorporate in Delaware, you can simply email us with your request or use the Chat with us button. We can order the apostilled documents directly from the State of Delaware and have them shipped to you via FedEx.
Documents must be current. A Good Standing Certificate, for example, goes stale quickly. Some institutions won't accept one that's more than 30 to 60 days old. Time the apostille request accordingly.
Translation may still be required separately. The apostille confirms authenticity, not meaning. If the receiving country requires a document in their language, you'll need a certified translation in addition to the apostille.
Plan for time. Even with expedited service, this process takes at least a few business days. Don't leave it until the day you need it.
Back to the full US incorporation guide for accelerator founders → taxhero.vc/blogs/us-company-incorporation-guide-accelerator-founders
While you're getting your documents in order, make sure your tax deadlines are too.
Get your free startup tax calendar. taxhero.vc/checkin
This article is for informational purposes only and isn't legal or tax advice. Consult a licensed professional for your specific situation.
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