An Apostille is a type of authentication or legalization that is recognized internationally and used to verify the authenticity of a public document. It is a certificate that is issued by a designated authority in the country where the document was issued, confirming the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on the document.
The purpose of an Apostille is to simplify the process of authenticating documents for use in another country. It eliminates the need for additional authentication by a foreign embassy or consulate and helps ensure that the document will be recognized and accepted as valid in the receiving country. The Hague Convention of 1961 established the legal framework for the use of Apostilles in international transactions.