Where to go in Marseille
Use the official sites below to check the responsible service, application method and appointment requirements. Not every procedure is handled by the prefecture. Contact the association to discuss available support.
Key points in 30 seconds
- Ask the receiving authority for its requirements.
- Check country and document rules.
- Identify apostille, legalization or exemption.
Ask for requirements first
Tell the receiving authority the country, document type and intended use. Check accepted age, originals, translation and authentication. International agreements may provide exemptions.
Advice from the association
Don't leave this procedure to the last minute — come and see us.
Use an accepted translator
French authorities may require an authorized translator. Check official procedures and judicial expert lists. Ordinary translation or certification by an intermediary may not be accepted; confirm the format first.
Common mistake
Treating an apostille as a translation.
Apostille versus legalization
An apostille authenticates the origin of a signature and seal, not the document’s content. Legalization or an exemption may apply instead, depending on international rules. The competent authority depends on the issuing country; rules for French documents do not automatically apply to foreign ones.
Common mistake
Paying before checking requirements.
Multilingual forms
Some EU public documents can use multilingual forms to reduce translation requirements. This is not universal across countries. Ask about the order of authentication and translation, including seals.
Common mistake
Applying identical rules to every country.
Step by step
- 1Ask the receiving authority for its requirements.
- 2Check country and document rules.
- 3Identify apostille, legalization or exemption.
- 4Choose an accepted translator.
- 5Submit the complete set and retain copies.
Documents needed
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FAQ
Does every document need an apostille?
No. The country, document and agreements determine the requirement.
Can I translate it myself?
Only if the receiving authority accepts this; authorized translation is often needed.