Legalisations
2026 :
Closed 24.12.2026 and 31.12.2026
Legalisations can then only be obtained by post.
For the specific procedure, please consult the Factsheet (PDF) for the legalisation of documents on this page.
The federal laws are available on www.fedlex.admin.ch. According to article 15 para. 2 of the Federal Publications Law, the only authentic version is the electronic one, as published on the aforementioned platform fedlex.admin.ch: https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2004/745/en#art_15 Therefore, we cannot deliver you physical certified copies of our laws.
If needed, you may contact the Swiss representation abroad and ask them to print out the articles of law that you need, and confirm with a stamp that they come directly from the aforementioned platform, based on article 71 of the Ordinance on Swiss Persons and Institutions Abroad.
The Swiss Federal Chancellery’s Finance, Controlling Section is responsible for certifying the authenticity of original signatures on documents required abroad.
What has to be certified?
Signatures from administrative offices of the Federal Administration, including from Swiss embassies and consulates, foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Switzerland, cantonal chancelleries and organisations that carry out public duties in the general interest of the country (Article 8, Organisation Ordinance for the Federal Chancellery, SR 172.210.10).
Certification by apostille
For states which are party to the Hague Convention, certification in the form of an apostille is sufficient. Documents do not need to be certified by a consular agent and are otherwise recognised in the country for which they are intended (Article 2, Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents).
For all states which are not party to the Hague Convention, the normal certification process without apostille applies, in which authentication by a consular or diplomatic agent is required.
Lists and factsheets
Contracting Parties - Status Table
Responsible
Contact
Swiss Federal Chancellery
Legalisation Office
Gurtengasse 5
3003 Berne (Switzerland)
Phone +41 58 462 37 69: Monday to Friday : 08.30-12.00