Commercial Contracts

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As a result of globalisation, agreements often have multi-jurisdictional counterparties and for this reason are often notarised and, where required, legalised. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, with some countries accepting an Apostille under the Hague Apostille Convention (the “Convention”), while others continue to require embassy or consular legalisation, often after Apostille has been obtained.

Where these agreements are executed in England they should comply with English law (being the location of execution) as well as the requirements of the governing law of the agreement (if not English law), to ensure validity and enforceability.  

An authorised director or signatory may sign most commercial contracts; some jurisdictions may also require evidence of corporate authority, such as a power of attorney. Where the Convention is recognised by the governing law of the agreement, the notary’s signature or seal is generally authenticated by an Apostille. Where the destination country is not a party to the Convention, additional authentication from its consulate or embassy is required.

Assistance with legalisation (as part of an ongoing matter with us)

The schedule below contains a list of countries which typically accept as valid an agreement signed in England by authorised representatives under English law and which has been Apostilled under the Convention. John has significant experience in notarising and arranging Apostille against documents for use in these countries, including countries not included that may require embassy or consular legalisation. If you require the assistance of a Notary Public to facilitate this process, contact John. 

Countries where Notarisation and  Apostille obtained in England are generally accepted to validate documents  for use in their jurisdiction (subject to any additional requirements from   the receiving authority or person):

A:

• Albania
• Algeria
• Andorra
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Australia
• Austria
• Azerbaijan

B:

• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Bulgaria

C:

• Canada
• Chile
• China  (the People's Republic of)
• Colombia
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia

D:

• Denmark
• Dominican Republic

E:

• Ecuador
• Estonia

F:

• Finland
• France

G:

• Georgia
• Germany
• Greece
• Grenada
• Guyana

H:

• Honduras
• Hungary

I:

• Iceland
• India
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy

J:

• Jamaica
• Japan

K:

• Kazakhstan
• Kosovo

L:

• Latvia
• Liberia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg

M:

• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Morocco

N:

• Namibia
• Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Niue
• North Macedonia
• Norway

P:

• Pakistan
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal

R:

• Republic of Korea
• Republic of Moldova
• Romania
• Rwanda

S:

• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

T:

• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Türkiye

U:

• Ukraine
• United States of America
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan