The Philippines has emerged as a significant hub for international business and investments, attracting individuals and organisations seeking to formalise legal agreements. For Australians planning to use assignment and trust deeds in the Philippines, securing an Apostille is a mandatory step to ensure these documents are valid and legally recognised.
The Apostille Requirement
As a member of The Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Documents since 2019, the Philippines accepts documents bearing an Apostille for legal purposes. An Apostille certifies the authenticity of the document’s origin, replacing the need for embassy legalisation for countries under the Convention.
Australian assignment and trust deeds must undergo this process to ensure they are recognised by Philippine authorities, particularly for business transactions, asset transfers, and property management. Without an Apostille, these documents are deemed invalid for legal use in the Philippines.
Key Steps for Apostilling Australian Assignment & Trust Deeds
1. Verify the Deeds
Before proceeding, ensure that your assignment and trust deeds meet legal standards in Australia. Any errors, omissions, or ambiguities could lead to rejection during the Apostille process.
2. Authentication by a Notary Public
The documents must be notarised by an Australian notary public. This step involves verifying the authenticity of the documents and confirming that they meet legal requirements. The notary issues a Notarial Certificate as part of this process.
3. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Authentication
Once notarised, the documents are submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for an Apostille. DFAT verifies the notary’s credentials and attaches the Apostille, certifying the documents’ authenticity.
With the Apostille affixed, the assignment and trust deeds are ready for legal use in the Philippines. These documents can now be presented to Philippine courts, government agencies, or business partners as needed.

Challenges of Document Legalisation in the Philippines
While the Apostille process simplifies document recognition in the Philippines, failure to follow the correct procedures can lead to delays and complications. Businesses or individuals who neglect to Apostille their documents may face challenges when trying to finalise contracts, property transfers, or establish trust arrangements in the country.
Why Choose Authentifier?
The Apostille process can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with sensitive legal documents. Authentifier offers a streamlined solution, guiding you through notarisation, DFAT authentication, and Apostille issuance with precision and efficiency.
With Authentifier, you gain:
- Expert assistance to avoid delays or errors.
- Fast processing to meet urgent deadlines.
- Comprehensive support to ensure every detail is handled correctly.