Job and Employment
Common Documents that may require Legalization(Documents for International Use)
Affidavits of Employment
These are sworn statements by an employer or employee regarding the terms and conditions of employment. When these affidavits need to be presented in a foreign country, they often require apostille-authentication to verify their authenticity.
Authorization to Release Information and Waiver
This document allows an employer to release specific information about an employee, such as employment history or performance. If this information needs to be shared with entities in another country, apostille-authentication ensures its validity.
Background Check Consent Forms
These forms give permission for an employer to conduct a background check on a potential or current employee. When background checks are required by foreign employers or institutions, these forms may need apostille-authentication.
Confidentiality Agreements
These agreements ensure that employees do not disclose proprietary information. If the confidentiality agreement is part of international business dealings, it may require apostille-authentication for legal recognition abroad.
Diplomas and Transcripts
While not directly related to current employment contracts, diplomas and transcripts are often required by foreign employers as proof of education credentials. These documents frequently need both notarization and apostille-authentication.
Employee Handbook Acknowledgment Forms
These forms confirm that an employee has received and understood the company’s handbook. While notarization is usually optional, if these forms need to be recognized internationally, they might require apostille-authentication.
Employment Contracts
Contracts outlining the terms of employment between employer and employee often notarization and subsequent apostille-authentication when they are intended for use in another country.
Employment Verification Letters
These letters confirm an individual’s employment status, typically requested by third parties like banks or landlords in foreign countries. Apostille-authentication adds credibility and legal standing internationally.
Intellectual Property Assignment Agreements
These documents transfer ownership of intellectual property created during employment from the employee to the employer. Apostilling these agreements provides legal validation of this transfer internationally.
Job Offer Letters
These letters formally offer a job position to a candidate. While notarization is rarely required domestically, if these letters need to be used abroad, they may require apostille-authentication.
Non-Compete Agreements
These agreements restrict employees from working with competitors after leaving the company. If these agreements need to be enforced internationally, they often require apostille-authentication.
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
NDAs protect sensitive information from being disclosed by employees. Notarizing and then obtaining apostille-authentication provides additional legal assurance that both parties have agreed to the terms when dealing internationally.
Professional Licenses and Certifications
If an employee needs to prove their professional qualifications in another country (e.g., medical licenses, engineering certifications), these documents will generally require both notarization and apostille-authentication.
Severance Agreements
These agreements outline the terms under which an employee will leave a company, including any severance pay or benefits. If these agreements need to be recognized in another country, they will likely require apostille-authentication.
Disclaimer: Documents requiring Notarization may also require legalization (Apostille-Authentication) if they are to be used outside the United States. We are not licensed attorneys; we inform you for informational and educational purposes. If you seek legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney for legal advice.