Opening a Business Abroad? Your U.S. Company Documents May Need an Apostille
Registering a subsidiary, branch, or new entity overseas means proving your U.S. company exists and that its officers are who they claim to be.
Foreign registries verify that through apostilled corporate and personal records. We prepare and submit the packet so registration is not delayed.
Why this comes up for people in your position
Company registration abroad typically requires two layers of paperwork: entity-level documents about the U.S. parent, and personal documents for the directors or shareholders being registered.
Registries often need the packet in one submission, and some require documents issued within a recent window. That combination makes it worth confirming the full list before starting rather than authenticating items as they come up.
Rules differ by country and sometimes by the specific registry office. Confirm the list with the local corporate attorney or agent handling the filing.
Exact document requirements are determined by the foreign authority, consulate, or organization receiving your paperwork, and they vary by country, purpose, and document. Always confirm their written list before ordering or authenticating anything.
Documents that may be requested
This is not a required checklist — it is a list of items people in this situation are commonly asked for.
Articles, bylaws, and formation records.
Shows the entity is active in its home state.
Authorizes the foreign registration.
Appoints the local agent to file.
Notarized identity copies for officers.
Some registries request one.
How the process works
- 1Tell us what you're trying to accomplish
Share the destination country, the purpose of the document, and your deadline. That context drives every other decision.
- 2We review your document situation
We look at what you have, who issued it, and whether a certified copy, notarization, or replacement is needed first.
- 3We determine the appropriate authentication route
State apostille, federal authentication, or embassy legalization — the route depends on the issuing office and the destination country.
- 4Your documents are submitted and returned
We prepare and submit the package, track it, and return your documents by mail, courier, or local hand delivery.
Mobile Notary Philadelphia assists with review, notarization, preparation, and submission. The apostille or authentication certificate itself is issued by the appropriate government authority, not by our office.
Where was your document issued?
The route depends on which office issued the document. State-issued records go to that state, and federally issued records are authenticated at the federal level. If your documents came from more than one place, they travel separate paths.
Records issued in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia County vital records.
Records issued in New Jersey, including South Jersey counties.
Documents issued by U.S. federal agencies.
The FBI Identity History Summary route.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Registering without confirming whether directors also need personal documents authenticated
- Using a stale certificate of good standing
- Preparing a power of attorney that omits registration-specific powers
- Sending unsigned or unnotarized resolutions for apostille
- Assuming one country's registration packet works for the next country
Services that may help
Business Abroad — FAQ
Not Sure Where to Start?
Tell us what document you have, where it was issued, the destination country, what the document will be used for, and your deadline. We'll explain the next step.