If you are planning to work, study, or live abroad, you will likely need to have your Philippine documents authenticated. Since the Philippines joined the Hague Apostille Convention, the old "Red Ribbon" system has been replaced by the Apostille. I have put together this guide to help you navigate the process smoothly and understand exactly what you need.
Understanding the Apostille Process
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It verifies the signature and seal of the issuing authority so that the document is recognised in other member countries of the Convention.
Key Fees in Singapore Dollars (SGD)
For those of us tracking costs in local currency, here is the approximate breakdown based on current exchange rates:
Regular Processing (PHP 100): Approximately SGD 2.40.
Expedited Processing (PHP 200): Approximately SGD 4.80.
e-Apostille (PHP 200): Approximately SGD 4.80.
Document-Specific Requirements
Every document has unique prerequisites before the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can attach an Apostille.
- Civil Registry Documents
These include Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates, Download free as well as the Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR).
Must be an original issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
If the PSA copy is unclear, you must also provide a copy from the Local Civil Registrar (LCR).
Documents must not be laminated, as this prevents the DFA from verifying the dry seal.
- Educational Records
Elementary and High School: Requires a Certified True Copy (CTC) from the school and a Certification, Authentication, apostille requirements and Verification (CAV) from the DepEd Regional Office.
Higher Education (Colleges/Universities): Requires a CTC and CAV from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Technical/Vocational: Requires a CTC and CAV from TESDA.
- Professional and Legal Documents
NBI Clearance: Must be the original "Green" copy with a dry seal and verifiable online.
PRC Documents: Original or CTC issued by the Professional Regulation Commission.
Private Documents: Affidavits or Power of Attorney must first be notarized and then issued a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) by the Regional Trial Court.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
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Book an Appointment: Visit the . Walk-ins are generally limited to specific priority groups like OFWs with valid contracts.
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Prepare Your ID: Bring the original and apostille requirements a photocopy of at least one valid government-issued ID (e.g., Passport, UMID, Driver’s License).
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Submission: Present your confirmed appointment letter and documents at the chosen Consular Office.
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Payment: Pay the fees at the designated cashier.
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Release: You can choose to pick up the document in person or have it delivered via a partner courier for an additional fee of about PHP 250 (SGD 6.00).
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The e-Apostille Option
As of 2026, the dfa apostille requirements has expanded its e-Apostille services. This is currently available primarily for PSA civil registry documents. You can apply entirely online, and the digital Apostille is sent to your email. This is a fantastic time-saver, though you must first verify if the receiving country accepts digital versions.
Next Steps
Would you like me to help you draft a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) if you are appointing someone to handle this for you in the Philippines?
This video provides a practical walkthrough of the DFA authentication process and shows you what the final Apostille certificate looks like.