APOSTILLE FOR THE PHILIPPINES
Apostille Services for the Philippines
Signing a special power of attorney for family in the Philippines, getting married there, retiring, reacquiring Philippine citizenship or settling an estate? The Philippines has accepted apostilles since 2019, so U.S. documents no longer need consular authentication. We handle it from Boston.
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THE PHILIPPINES AT A GLANCE
Hague Convention member
Apostilles accepted since 2019.
- Special powers of attorney
- Marriage and retirement
- Estates and property
- Mobile notary across Greater Boston
The Philippines now accepts apostilles
Documents we prepare for the Philippines
- Special powers of attorney (SPA) for property, banking and family matters
- Birth, marriage and death certificates
- Documents for marriage in the Philippines
- Affidavits and documents for estate settlement
- FBI background checks for retirement and residence visas
- Documents for reacquiring Philippine citizenship
- Diplomas and transcripts
What the Philippines usually requires
| Document | Where the apostille comes from | What else to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Special power of attorney | Secretary of the Commonwealth, after notarization | Ask the person or office in the Philippines for the wording |
| Birth, marriage or death certificate | Secretary of the Commonwealth or issuing state | Certified copy |
| FBI background check | U.S. Department of State | Follow the receiving office's instructions on recency |
| Estate settlement affidavit | Secretary of the Commonwealth, after notarization | Usually prepared by a Philippine lawyer |
Requirements change and can differ by consulate, city and purpose. Always confirm the exact requirements with the office receiving your documents. We're happy to review what they sent you.
How we handle it
- 1
Tell us what the recipient asked for
Send us the list or the email from the consulate, school, employer or attorney. We review it and confirm exactly what each document needs.
- 2
We prepare each document
Certified copies, notarization by appointment, or retrieval of records you don't have yet.
- 3
Apostilles from the right offices
Massachusetts documents go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, other states' documents to that state, and federal documents, like FBI checks, to the U.S. Department of State.
- 4
Shipping to the Philippines
We arrange certified translation when it's needed, then ship everything back with tracking, to you or directly abroad.
Good to know
Special powers of attorney
The SPA is the most common document Filipinos abroad send home, for selling or managing property, handling bank accounts or processing documents. We come to you to notarize it. See Powers of Attorney.
No consular step
Since 2019, you usually don't need the Philippine consulate to authenticate U.S. documents.
Estates
Extrajudicial settlements and heir affidavits are usually prepared by a Philippine lawyer. We notarize and apostille your signature.
Need records first?
Serving Filipino families in Greater Boston
Mistakes we help you avoid
- Going to the consulate unnecessarily. Since 2019, an apostille usually replaces consular authentication.
- An SPA without the details the Philippine office needs. Banks, registries and buyers often want specific wording, property descriptions and ID details. Ask for the text first.
- Missing IDs and copies. Philippine offices often ask for copies of the principal's ID with the SPA. We can make clear copies.
- A state apostille on an FBI check. FBI checks need the federal apostille.
Common situations
Selling or managing property
An SPA for a relative or broker in the Philippines.
Settling a parent's estate
Notarized affidavits and SPAs for an extrajudicial settlement.
Marrying in the Philippines
U.S. records and sworn statements for the local civil registrar.
Retiring in the Philippines
Background checks and records for retirement visas.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Philippines accept apostilles?
Yes, since May 2019.
Do I still need the Philippine consulate?
Usually not for authentication. An apostille replaces the old consular step.
Can you notarize a special power of attorney?
Yes, at your home or office, then apostille it for use in the Philippines.
Do you ship to the Philippines?
Yes, with tracking.
Can you notarize at the hospital where I work?
Yes, on your break or after your shift, by appointment.
Can one SPA cover several matters?
It depends on what the Philippine office accepts. Many prefer a separate SPA for each property or transaction.
Sending documents to the Philippines?
Tell us the documents, the purpose and your deadline, and we'll map out every step.