Is an apostille enough for the UAE?

No. The UAE is not part of the Hague Convention, so you need full legalisation from DVV all the way to the embassy.

Who issues the apostille in Finland?

The apostille is issued by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV).

Did Saudi Arabia's requirement change?

Yes. Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Convention on 7 December 2022, so an apostille is now enough there.

How do I know which one I need?

It depends on the destination country. Tell us where the document is going and we'll confirm the correct procedure right away.

Is an apostille enough for Thailand?

Not yet. Thailand's accession is due to enter into force on 28.2.2027, and until then full legalisation is needed. Even after the change we check per document whether an apostille is enough.

Is an apostille enough for Vietnam?

Yes, from 11.9.2026. Finland did not object to Vietnam's accession, so a Finnish document for Vietnam only needs a DVV apostille, from us from €138.

How much do an apostille and legalisation cost?

Apostille from €138 per document (DVV €38 + our fee €100). The Finnish stages of full legalisation from €157 per document (DVV €27 + Ministry for Foreign Affairs €30 + our fee €100), plus the embassy fee, which depends on the country and document.

Guide

Apostille or legalisation? How to know which you need

Which one your document needs comes down to one thing: whether the destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Key takeaways

An apostille is enough for Hague Convention countries. In Finland it's issued by DVV.
UAE, Kuwait and Qatar require full consular legalisation. An apostille is not accepted.
Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Convention in December 2022 and now accepts an apostille.
Full chain: certification in Finland (DVV or notary) → Ministry for Foreign Affairs → embassy → destination country's MFA.
Vietnam accepts the apostille from 11.9.2026. Thailand's accession is due to enter into force on 28.2.2027; full legalisation until then.

The 10-second answer

The country is a Hague member

An apostille is enough, a single certificate from DVV.

The country is not a member (e.g. UAE, Kuwait, Qatar)

You need full legalisation: DVV → Foreign Ministry → embassy.

What is an apostille

An apostille is a single certificate issued by DVV in Finland. It's valid as-is in all Hague Apostille Convention countries, no separate embassy confirmation is needed.

What is consular legalisation

If the destination country isn't part of the convention, the document needs the full chain: certification in Finland (DVV or notary) → Foreign Ministry → the country's embassy in Helsinki → that country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Each step confirms the previous one.

Important: an apostille is not enough for the UAE, Kuwait or Qatar

These countries are not part of the Hague Convention. An apostille alone leads to the document being rejected by ministries, courts, banks and immigration authorities. Use full legalisation.

Saudi Arabia 2022, Vietnam 2026, Thailand 2027

Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 7.12.2022, and an apostille is now enough there. For Vietnam the convention entered into force on 11.9.2026. For Thailand it is due to enter into force on 28.2.2027, and until then Thailand requires the full chain. The UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq still require full legalisation.

Countries

Country reference

Full legalisation (not a Hague member)

Apostille is enough (Hague member)

Most Western countries and many others are Hague members (apostille is enough). Check your country. We'll tell you right away.

FAQ

Questions about apostille and legalisation

Information verified on September 19, 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing times can change without notice. We confirm the current requirements for every assignment.

Official sources: Digital and Population Data Services Agency (dvv.fi) · Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (um.fi) · HCCH: Apostille Convention status table