Swiss cantons require legalised civil documents, translated into German, French or Italian depending on the canton.
Switzerland is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Because Palestine is not, Palestinian documents for Switzerland still go through consular legalisation rather than an apostille. Documents issued in Switzerland can carry an apostille there, but for use in Palestine they are usually also legalised by the Palestinian embassy.
Palestinian documents for use in Switzerland
- Issuing authority or notaryCertified copy, or the stamp of the relevant ministry (education, justice, interior).
- Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ExpatriatesAuthentication of the previous signature.
- Embassy or representative office of SwitzerlandLegalisation by the mission of Switzerland accredited for Palestine.
- Certified translationInto the language required by the receiving authority, before or after legalisation as required.
Documents from Switzerland for use in Palestine
- Apostille in SwitzerlandFrom the competent authority of the issuing country.
- Palestinian embassy in SwitzerlandLegalisation, where required by the receiving authority in Palestine.
- Certified Arabic translationPrepared in Palestine for ministries, courts and banks.
Translation
Documents for Switzerland usually need a certified translation into German. Some authorities require the translation to be done or confirmed by a translator sworn or registered in Switzerland — we check this before starting.
Embassy requirements and fees change frequently. We confirm the current procedure for your specific document before you pay.
Related services
- Embassy & consular legalisationFull legalisation chain for Palestinian documents used abroad and foreign documents used in Palestine.
- Ministry authentication (MOFA)Authentication at the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and line ministries.
- Certified translationSigned and stamped translations accepted by embassies, ministries, universities and courts.
- Power of attorneyDrafting, translation, notarisation and legalisation of powers of attorney for use in Palestine or abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Does Switzerland accept an apostille on Palestinian documents?
No. Palestinian documents cannot receive an apostille because Palestine is not a party to the Convention. They are authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and legalised by the mission of Switzerland.
How long does legalisation for Switzerland take?
It depends on the document and on the current workload and appointment system of the Switzerland mission. We give you a realistic estimate with the quote and keep you informed at each step.
Can you do everything without me being present?
In most cases, yes. Where a mission requires the applicant's presence or a power of attorney, we tell you in advance.