Apostille for Business Contracts and Agreements

International business transactions often require apostilled contracts and agreements. Whether you are entering into a joint venture, licensing agreement, or commercial contract with a foreign party, understanding when and how to apostille business documents is essential.

When Do Business Contracts Need an Apostille?

A business contract itself is a privately-created document — it is not issued by a government authority. To apostille a business contract, it must first be notarized by a notary public. The notary certifies the signatures on the contract, and the Secretary of State then apostilles the notary's signature.

Common situations requiring apostilled business contracts:

• International joint ventures requiring authenticated agreements
• Foreign business registration requiring apostilled corporate documents
• International licensing agreements
• Foreign real estate transactions
• International employment contracts

Corporate Resolutions and Powers of Attorney

Corporate resolutions — authorizing a specific action or representative — and powers of attorney are among the most commonly apostilled business documents. Both must be notarized before apostille. Miami Dade Apostille provides notarization services, including remote online notarization (RON) for clients who cannot appear in person.

The Process

1. Have the contract or agreement signed by all parties
2. Have the signatures notarized by a Florida notary public (or via RON)
3. Submit to the Florida Secretary of State for apostille
4. Arrange certified translation if required by the destination country