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Apostille on Moroccan documents and translations

Some documents issued in Morocco need an additional certificate, the apostille, before they are accepted abroad. Here is when it is needed, who issues it, and how to prepare your file.

What is an apostille?

Since August 2016, Morocco has been a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, which replaces the long chain of consular legalisation with a single certificate, the apostille, recognised in the other member countries.

Is an apostille always needed?

No. Not every document needs an apostille: it depends on the country and the authority receiving it. Tourist visa applications, for example, usually do not require one, unless the country concerned asks for it. Check with the receiving authority before starting any procedure.

Who issues it in Morocco?

• The court: judgments and court documents, adoul deeds, deeds drawn up by notaries, and also sworn translations.
• Local authorities at prefecture and province level: administrative documents.

Apostille on a translation

A sworn translation can itself be apostilled, at the court. Depending on the receiving authority, the apostille may be needed on the original document, on the translation, or on both.

How to apply

• Fill in the apostille request form available on the official portal apostille.ma.
• Print the form.
• Submit it to the competent authority together with the documents to be apostilled.

If the destination country is not a member

Consular legalisation may then be required: first by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then by the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.

Plan the steps before you start

When you request a quote, mention the country and authority receiving your documents, and whether they require an apostille, so we can plan the steps in the right order and avoid delays.