Translations, legalisations and apostilles
How to make foreign documents valid in Italy: Italian translation, legalisation, Hague Convention apostille and registration of civil status records.
Quick answer
Foreign documents intended for Italian authorities generally must be translated into Italian and legalised by the competent authority: where the issuing country joined the Hague Convention, an apostille replaces legalisation. Rules vary by country — verify with the competent consulate.
A foreign record without a compliant translation or legalisation/apostille is normally rejected: this is one of the most frequent causes of delay in citizenship, reunification and marriage procedures.
Before paying for translations, confirm with the office receiving the documents which format is required: it varies by procedure and by country.
Who this guide is for
Anyone submitting foreign birth, marriage or criminal record documents to an Italian office.
What you need
- Original or certified copy of the foreign record
- Translation into Italian
- Legalisation or apostille, depending on the country of origin
- Registration of the record with the Comune or consulate, where required
Step-by-step process
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1. Check the requirement
Ask the competent office which documents must be translated and legalised, and in what format.
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2. Have the record translated
Translations must follow the instructions you receive; sworn translations are often required.
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3. Obtain the apostille or legalisation
Apostilles are issued by the designated authority in the issuing country; otherwise consular legalisation applies.
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4. Register the record if needed
Civil status records may need to be transcribed in Italy: check with the Comune or consulate.
Documents
- — Original or certified copy of the foreign record
- — Italian translation meeting the office requirements
- — Apostille or legalisation
- — Identity documents of the applicant
What happens next
- Keep digital copies of every legalised document.
- Check the validity period of criminal record certificates.
- Prepare records before starting the main procedure.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Translating documents before knowing what the office requires.
Better approach: Ask for the specifications first: formats and translations vary.
Mistake: Confusing legalisation with apostille.
Better approach: Check whether the issuing country joined the Hague Convention.
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Official sources
This page is based on the official sources listed below. Open them to check the most recent information directly with the competent authority.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (opens in a new tab)
MAECI
Sito istituzionale della Farnesina: rete consolare, visti, legalizzazioni e servizi per i cittadini stranieri.
Link last verified:
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CIMEA — Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence (opens in a new tab)
CIMEA (Ministero dell’Istruzione) · in italiano
Centro nazionale di informazione sul riconoscimento dei titoli di studio esteri.
Link last verified:
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Ministry of Justice (opens in a new tab)
Ministero della Giustizia · in italiano
Informazioni ufficiali sui certificati del casellario giudiziale e sui carichi pendenti, richiesti in molte pratiche di cittadinanza.
Link last verified:
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Integration of Migrants Portal (opens in a new tab)
Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali — Ministero dell’Interno · in italiano
Portale interistituzionale con guide multilingue su permessi, ricongiungimento familiare, cittadinanza e integrazione.
Link last verified:
Important notice
The information published on ItalyDocsHub is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and requirements may change. For current information and advice regarding your specific situation, always consult the relevant official authority or a qualified professional.
- Last reviewed
- Content owner
- ItalyDocsHub Editorial Team