Is Denmark your next stop for business, work, or study reasons? If yes, Travel Visa Pro will help ensure your documents meet the Denmark requirements. So, what must you do? First, you must translate your documents into Danish. While most people in Denmark speak English as a second language, Danish is the official language. And thus, having documents in Danish is integral to smooth transactions. Secondly, you must authenticate the documents by getting an apostille for Denmark. We explain the importance of an apostille, when you need it, and how to get one:
The Importance of Apostille for Travelers to Denmark
Before unmasking the importance of getting an apostille for Denmark, let us uncover what it entails. The apostille is a certification to verify the signature, stamp, and seal on an official document. It was introduced in the 1961 Hague Convention to abolish legalization procedures as they were long and complex. So, countries like Denmark and the U.S., which are party to this convention, use an apostille as a mark of integrity.
So, what does an apostille do? It certifies the following:
- Who signed the document,
- The capacity of the person who signed the document, and
- When and where you got the apostille.
As a result, anyone receiving the apostilled document can trace its origin. Moreover, they can trust it and rely on it for official transactions.
So, when do you need an apostille for Denmark? You must get an apostille for Denmark when presenting any of the following documents for official transactions:
- State-Issued Documents: Examples include birth certificates and death certificates,
- Federal-Issued Documents: Examples include FBI background checks and trademarks, and
- Documents Issued By Recognized Institutions: Examples include diplomas and articles of incorporation.
Any documents that fall into the above categories need an apostille for Denmark. But why is an apostille important?
- It verifies the signature, stamp, and seal on a document. As such, the person receiving the document can trust its authenticity.
- It makes a document acceptable in countries party to the Hague Convention. You can use it in Denmark and other countries too.
- It may be a legal requirement in some cases, e.g., enrolling in a school, buying property, etc.
The general rule of thumb is to get an apostille for Denmark for any records considered public records in the country. You can always get clarification from our team on what needs an apostille.
Difference Between an Apostille and Legalization
You may have heard about legalization processes. While many countries abolished these procedures by adopting the apostille, some still use this process. Legalization involves two parts. The first is authentication which takes place at the U.S. Department of State. And the second is legalization which takes place at the embassy of the country you wish to visit. Like the apostille, the premise is to certify the signatures, stamps, and seals on documents. The differences between the two are as follows:
- An apostille is acceptable in all countries party to the Hague Convention of 1961. But legalization is only acceptable in the country whose embassy gives the legalization stamp.
- An apostille requires certification at only one level, while legalization involves authentication in two stages.
You can only get an apostille when traveling to Denmark, as legalization is not required for Denmark.
Steps to Apostille Your U.S. Documents for Denmark
How do you go about getting an apostille for Denmark? The process includes the following steps:
1. Understand where you can get your document apostilled: Competent authorities differ based on the type of document as follows:
- Documents issued by the state: You can only apostille such documents in the state where they were issued and not at the U.S. Department of State. For example, the apostille should be by the Texas Secretary of State if your birth certificate is from Texas. In some states, you can get an apostille for Denmark from offices other than the Secretary of State (SOS). Thus, you should check what applies in your state.
- Documents issued by the federal government: If your documents do not originate from the state, you will get them apostilled at the U.S. Department of State.
- Get your document notarized: Notarization is crucial for all apostille processes. Ensure you get the correct notarization to avoid having your request disqualified.
2. Have your document certified: The SOS and U.S. Department of State only accept true certified copies. So, get your documents certified by a notary public to meet this condition. If your documents are court or federal, get them certified by the SOS.
3. Translate your document: Denmark uses Danish as its official language. You should thus translate your documents to ease transactions while in Denmark. Please note that only certified translators like TVP can provide you with a true translation.
4. Submit the document: You can provide your document for an apostille via mail or in person. The submission should be to the competent authority.
In most cases, the apostille should be ready in about four weeks.
Simplify the Apostille process for Denmark with Travel Visa Pro
Did you know you can get an apostille for Denmark within a few days? Travel Visa Pro, a professional authentication service, provides apostille services across 50 states with rush and standard processing periods. They include the following add-ons:
- Notarization services,
- Attestation services at all levels,
- Certification services, and
- Translation services.
Besides offering professionalism, speed, and convenience, we have a simple process that is as easy as three steps:
- You place an apostille for Denmark order on our website. In doing this, you will let us know the document type, where you will use it, and when you want it.
- We review the order and let you know what requirements your document should meet and where you should send it. The processing will start as soon as you meet the requirements.
- You get an apostille delivered to your doorstep, enabling you to embark on business ventures in Denmark.
Are you ready to get your apostille for Denmark? It only takes three steps!