An Apostille is a type of certification or authentication that is used to verify the authenticity of a document for use in international transactions. It is a simplified form of legalization that is recognized by countries that are parties to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (also known as the Apostille Convention).

The Apostille is a certificate issued by a competent authority in the country where the document originates. It confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and the identity of any stamp or seal affixed to the document. The purpose of the Apostille is to simplify the process of authenticating documents for use in foreign countries, making it more straightforward and efficient.

Documents that commonly require Apostille include birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational diplomas, and various legal documents. It's important to note that not all countries are parties to the Apostille Convention, so the specific requirements for document authentication may vary depending on the destination country.