Bangladesh Joins Apostille Convention

Bangladesh Joins the Apostille Convention — What It Means for Australians

If you’re an Australian who frequently deals with documents for use in Bangladesh — whether for business, family, or education — there’s some good news. As of July 2023, Bangladesh has officially joined the Apostille Convention, and that means big changes for how you get your documents recognised overseas.

Let’s break down what this means and how it affects Australians living in, working with, or doing business in Bangladesh.

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What Is the Apostille Convention?

The Apostille Convention is an international treaty that makes it easier to use public documents across different countries. Instead of having to go through multiple levels of verification — such as embassy stamps and legalisations — a single apostille certificate is all that’s needed to prove your document is genuine.

Countries that are members of the Convention agree to accept apostilles as valid proof of authenticity. This drastically simplifies the process of document legalisation.

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What’s Changed for Bangladesh?

Before joining the Convention, if you wanted to use an Australian document in Bangladesh, you typically had to:

• Have it notarised by a Notary Public,

• Send it to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for authentication,

• Then take it to the Bangladesh High Commission for legalisation.

Now? All you need is:

1. Notarisation (if required),

2. An apostille from DFAT,
   And you're done! No more embassy visits or long processing times.

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Who Benefits from This Change?

If you're in any of the following situations, this new system will make your life much easier:

• Students: Submitting academic documents to Bangladeshi institutions.

• Migrants: Providing birth or marriage certificates for immigration or visa purposes.

• Business Owners: Signing cross-border contracts or corporate documents.

• Families: Certifying personal documents like powers of attorney, affidavits, or legal declarations.

Anyone needing to send Australian documents to Bangladesh will now enjoy a smoother, faster, and less expensive process.

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How to Get an Apostille in Australia

If your document is Australian and needs to be used in Bangladesh (or any other Apostille Convention country), follow these simple steps:

1. Notarise the Document (If Required): Some documents may need to be signed or certified by a Notary Public in Parramatta or elsewhere in Australia.

2. Submit to DFAT: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues apostille certificates. You can apply in person or by post.

3. Send to Bangladesh: Once apostilled, your document will be legally recognised in Bangladesh — no further stamps or embassy visits needed.

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Do You Still Need a Notary?

Yes, in many cases you do. While the apostille is the international certificate of authenticity, it only works after your document has been prepared correctly. That’s where a notary public steps in.

A Notary Public in Parramatta (or wherever you're located) can:

• Witness your signature,

• Certify true copies,

• Draft formal declarations,

• And ensure your paperwork meets DFAT requirements for an apostille.

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Final Thoughts

Bangladesh joining the Apostille Convention is a win for Australians. It saves time, cuts costs, and reduces bureaucracy when dealing with international paperwork. Whether you’re sending documents for study, work, family, or business, the process just got a whole lot simpler.

Need help getting your documents notarised for Bangladesh? A trusted notary in Parramatta can guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring your paperwork is accepted — the first time, every time.