In short: we notarise your Australian documents at our Melbourne CBD office and can lodge them with DFAT for an apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or authentication (for other countries). Same-day notary appointments are often available; DFAT processing times vary and we will tell you the current timeframe.
If you need to use an Australian document overseas, it may need to be certified with an Apostille issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade DFAT.
At Chua Tan Associates, we provide professional Apostille Melbourne services and end-to-end assistance with international document authentication. We assist individuals, businesses, and international clients to ensure their Australian documents are properly prepared, notarised where required, and accepted overseas without delay.
Whether you are dealing with overseas property transactions, immigration applications, business expansion, study abroad requirements, or legal matters, we provide a reliable and efficient Apostille and document legalisation service from our Melbourne CBD office.
An Apostille is an official certificate issued under the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.
It is used to verify the authenticity of:
Once a document has been issued with an Apostille, it is legally recognised in all Hague Convention member countries without the need for further embassy or consular legalisation.
In Australia, Apostilles are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade DFAT.
You may need an Apostille when an Australian document is to be used in another country for legal or official purposes.
Common examples include:
Apostille is accepted in all Hague Convention member countries, including:
If your destination country is part of the Hague Convention, an Apostille is usually sufficient and no embassy legalisation is required.
It is important to understand the difference between Apostille and Authentication.
Used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, for example China, India, Japan and (since 11 September 2026) Vietnam. Thailand joins on 28 February 2027.
Used for countries that are not members of the Hague Convention, for example the UAE and Cambodia.
At Chua Tan Associates, we provide a streamlined end-to-end process:
Step 1 – Document Review
We assess your documents to determine:
If the document is not already in a suitable form, our Notary Public will:
We can assist in submitting your documents to DFAT for Apostille certification, ensuring:
Once completed, your Apostille-certified documents are ready for overseas use in Hague Convention countries.
Choosing the right professional for Apostille services is important, as incorrect documentation can result in rejection by overseas authorities.
Clients choose us because we offer:
We ensure your documents are prepared correctly the first time, reducing delays and avoiding unnecessary complications overseas.
Processing time depends on DFAT workloads and document type. Many applications are processed within a few business days once correctly submitted.
Yes, individuals can apply directly to DFAT. However, many clients prefer using a lawyer to ensure documents are correctly prepared and avoid rejection or delays.
Not always. Some government-issued documents can be directly apostilled. Others must first be notarised by a Notary Public.
Yes, Mainland China is a Hague Convention member. Documents for China usually require:
Yes. We provide a complete service including:
In some cases, documents can be reviewed electronically first. However, original documents are usually required for Apostille processing.
If you require Apostille services in Melbourne, DFAT authentication, or assistance with international document legalisation, Chua Tan & Associates provides a professional and efficient solution.
We ensure your documents are properly prepared and correctly certified for use overseas, giving you confidence in cross-border legal and administrative processes.
Contact our office today to arrange a consultation or document review.
An apostille is a single certificate issued by DFAT for documents going to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Countries that are not members require DFAT authentication, followed by legalisation at that country’s embassy or consulate.
Many Australian public documents signed by an official on DFAT’s records, such as some certificates and police checks, can go straight to DFAT. Private documents such as powers of attorney, statutory declarations, certified copies and company documents generally need to be notarised first.
Yes. Since 7 November 2023 mainland China accepts apostilles, so documents no longer need to be legalised by the Chinese Consulate. Hong Kong and Macau also accept apostilles.
Yes. After notarising your documents we can lodge them with DFAT and return or forward the apostilled documents to you.
Bring the original documents, your current passport or other government photo ID, and any instructions you have received from the overseas authority.
Our notary office is at Level 2, 262 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Same-day appointments are often available, and we speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Call 03 9602 3988, email chuatan@tpg.com.au or book online. For a fixed-fee quote, see our notary fees page.
Phone: 03 9602 3988
Email: chuatan@tpg.com.au
Address: Level 2, 262 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. After hours by appointment.
LIABILITY LIMITED BY A SCHEME APPROVED UNDER PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS LEGISLATION
© CHUA TAN ASSOCIATES LAWYERS, CONSULTANTS & PUBLIC NOTARY 2026
