Poland in Canada

As of January 11, 2024 authenticated documents include a standard certificate called an apostille. The apostille eliminates steps required to get documents accepted in countries where the convention is in effect, including the legalization by a consular office of the country of destination. 

An apostille confirms the official status of a domestic document that needs to be used abroad – in a country from the list. It confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person who signed the document acted and the identity of the seal or stamp on the document. Apostilles are recognized and issued by Poland and over 120 other countries.

Countries that do not recognize the apostille require holders of foreign documents to legalize them.

Documents issued after January 11, 2024, after authentication with the apostille clause by the local authorities, are admitted to legal transactions in Poland without the participation of the Polish consul. In order to obtain an apostille (which is the equivalent of the current legalization), you should submit the document to the competent Canadian authorities, depending on where the document was notarized. As of January 11, 2024, competent authorities in some provinces are responsible for issuing an apostille and Global Affairs Canada is responsible for issuing apostilles for documents issued by the Government of Canada and for documents issued or notarized in specific provinces and territories.

IMPORTANT: Documents issued before this date will require full legalization (including super-legalization) even if they are submitted to the Polish consul after January 11, 2024.

Please find more information on the Apostille and the legalization of the documents below.
On the page of Canadian government you will find information about the Apostille Convention and how it changes authentication services before and after it takes effect in Canada on January 11, 2024.