Major Changes to Apostille and Legalisation in France – 2025 Updates

As of May 2025, France has introduced a significant reform in its process for document authentication:

• From May 2025, the power to issue apostilles for French documents (to be used abroad) is transferred from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) to the Notaires de France (French notaries).
• By September 1, 2025, the legalisation of French documents (for use in non-Apostille countries) will also be transferred to the Notaires de France.
• The move is intended to simplify procedures and make the process faster and more accessible for users (individuals and professionals).
• There will be digital services for submitting requests.
• The Notaires de France are tasked with establishing these procedures across the territory.

But what does this mean for individuals, businesses, and professionals handling cross-border documents? And how can you ensure compliance under the new system? Let’s break it down.

Why France Changed Its Apostille & Legalisation Process

The push for simplicity and speed

France’s new approach is all about efficiency. For years, individuals and businesses faced long waits and complicated bureaucracy when legalising documents for international use. By handing the responsibility to the Notaires de France, the government aims to:

• Streamline the process and reduce waiting times
• Provide more accessible services via a nationwide notary network
• Enable faster cross-border business and personal transactions

For international clients and companies, this should mean much quicker turnaround—especially vital for urgent transactions or visa applications.

What has changed – at a glance

• Apostille Services: Now issued by French notaries instead of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
• Legalisation Services: By 1 September 2025, all document legalisation will be handled by notaries.
• Digital and In-person Options: Expect expanded e-apostille (electronic apostille) services and in-person authentication at notary offices.

For the official announcement, see the Notaires de France press release and the government decree.

How Does This Affect You?

For individuals

If you’re moving to France, studying abroad, getting married, or inheriting property, you’ll likely need to legalise UK or French documents for use abroad. With the new rules, you must now apply through a notary in France for apostille or legalisation.

For businesses & professionals

International contracts, commercial registrations, or employment processes often require rapid document authentication. The move to a notary-led system promises:

• Quicker turnaround times for cross-border deals
• Less risk of delay from government bottlenecks
• Greater access to digital solutions (e-apostille)

For UK residents & expats

If you’re in the UK needing to legalise French documents (or vice versa), the process is new—but WLS is here to simplify it for you. See our Apostille Legalisation Service and Consular Legalisation pages for detailed guidance. See the French Legalisation Guidelines.

Step-by-Step – Getting an Apostille or Legalisation for French Documents in 2025

1. Contact a Notaire de France
   For apostille or legalisation, locate a notary office in France—this is now your first step.
2. Submit Your Documents
   Present the documents needing authentication (e.g., birth certificates, academic qualifications, business documents).
3. Receive the Apostille or Legalisation
   The notary will issue the required authentication—often more quickly than before.
4. Use Your Documents Abroad
   Once legalised, your documents are valid for international use in Hague Convention countries (and, via further legalisation, elsewhere).

If you need to legalise a UK-issued document for use in France, the process begins in the UK. Our expert notaries and legalisation specialists in London and Milton Keynes can assist you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions—France Apostille & Legalisation (2025)

How do I get an Apostille in France?

As of May 2025, you must apply directly through a Notaire de France, either in person or, where available, using digital e-apostille services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longer handles these requests.

Does France accept the E-Apostille?

Yes. France is implementing electronic apostille (e-apostille) for greater convenience. Digital certificates issued by approved notaries are valid and recognised under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Does France accept the apostille?

Absolutely. France has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 1965 and continues to recognise both paper and electronic apostilles for public documents.

How do I get an Apostille in the UK?

To get an apostille for UK documents, contact an FCDO-registered provider (like WLS). We handle the process from start to finish, including notary certification where required, and can arrange consular legalisation if your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention. See our step-by-step guide.

Who can legally certify documents in France?

Only registered French notaries (Notaires de France) can now certify, apostille, or legalise official documents for use abroad. They are authorised to authenticate both French public documents and, under certain conditions, translations and copies.

How WLS Can Help—Expert Support for UK, French & International Documents

Staying on top of global changes like this is our job. At Westminster Legalisation Services, we:

• Monitor all major updates in international document legalisation
• Liaise with partners in France and beyond to keep our clients compliant
• Offer multilingual expertise for French, English, and other documents
• Provide notary services in London and UK-wide support

We know that sudden changes can be stressful—especially if you’re facing tight deadlines. Let us take the complexity out of international document legalisation so you can focus on what matters.

Need to Legalise French Documents? Contact Us

Related Reading:

• Apostille Legalisation vs. Consular Legalisation: What’s the Difference?
• How to Obtain an Apostille in the UK
• Notary vs Solicitor: How to Tell If You Need a Notary or a Solicitor