How to Authenticate Canadian Documents for Use in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a favorite destination for many Canadians looking to explore the Caribbean, extend their stay or engage in business. However, presenting Canadian documents in their original state is not sufficient in the Dominican Republic as the authorities have no way of knowing if they are authentic. Therefore, Canadian documents require authentication and legalization. The following information outlines the two-step process required to authenticate Canadian documents for use in the Dominican Republic.
Authentication and Legalization for Canadian Documents
Canadian documents require two processes, authentication and legalization, before they can be used in the Dominican Republic. Authentication takes place at Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa, while legalization takes place at the consular section of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, also located in Ottawa.
Authentication Requirements for Canadian Documents
Before authentication can take place, the Canadian document must contain a signature from a verified individual that is on file with Global Affairs Canada. Requirements vary depending on the type of document. It is important to note that the processing time for authentication can take up to 15+ business days, which does not include shipping time.
Legalization Requirements for Canadian Documents
To be valid for legalization at the consular section of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Ottawa, the Canadian document must first be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada. The document must then meet additional requirements, which are subject to change. Requirements include payment to the Dominican embassy. The embassy also has its processing time for legalization, which can vary.
Canadian Corporate for Use in the Dominican Republic
Aside from the typical personal vital statistics documents, Canadian corporations looking to establish themselves in the Dominican Republic will also require corporate documents. These may include Certificates of Pharmaceutical Product, International Trade Certificates, Good Manufacturing Practice Certificates, and other documents depending on the demands of the affiliates or requesting parties in the Dominican Republic. Canadian corporate documents require notarization by a Canadian lawyer or notary public to be valid for authentication.
Vital Statistics Documents for Use in the Dominican Republic
Canadian vital statistics documents are some of the most frequently requested documents for use in the Dominican Republic for personal foreign affairs, particularly for those looking to get married in the country or settle there permanently. These vital documents include Canadian birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates. They are vital for attaining employment, Dominican citizenship, resolving inheritance matters, or even just to prove identity.
It is important to note that only documents issued from the appropriate vital statistics offices can be accepted for authentication at Global Affairs Canada. Marriage certificates issued by the church and death certificates issued by the funeral home are not valid for authentication, even if they have been notarized by a lawyer or notary public. Although notarized copies of your vital statistics documents can be made, these can be more expensive than simply ordering a new original, which is always preferred for international processing.
Requirements for Canadians Getting Married in the Dominican Republic
Additionally, if you are planning to get married in the Dominican Republic, the Dominican embassy has additional requirements that need to be met. We can assist you with these requirements when you use our services.
If you need to order your Canadian birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate, we recommend having it sent directly to our office to save processing time. Many of our clients choose to do this, and they are glad that they did.
Why Choose Global Document Solutions for Authenticating Canadian Documents
Global Document Solutions is an experienced document authentication and legalization service with over 30 years of experience. We have developed practices that have become the standard in our field of work. Our clients receive a personal agent who assists them from start to finish, putting together the necessary requirements for authentication and legalization, and providing detailed updates at every step of the process. We have a strong professional relationship with the consular staff at the embassy of the Dominican Republic in Ottawa, which enables us to stay up-to-date on their changing requirements and fees, allowing us to know them before they go into effect.
Trust Global Document Solutions with Your Canadian Documents
If you need to authenticate your Canadian documents for use in the Dominican Republic, Global Document Solutions can help. We have over a dozen service centers across Canada and can provide free shipping to our head office in Ottawa for processing via FedEx. Once your documents are completed, we can send them back to any of our service centers via FedEx free of charge or send them anywhere else in the world at an additional cost. Save time and trust Global Document Solutions with your Canadian documents.
