Documentation
Documentation
So you've accepted a new position in a new country. What documents do you make sure you have organised before you leave? Any other must dos / must takes to the new location?
Response
Someone who doesnt want to move their whole house and all worldly possessions overseas. I travel lite, checked baggage and my carry on. To start it really depends where your going, and how big of a city your headed too. My suggestion list:
1) Medical: You dont know when your health insurance is going to kick in, when youll have a chance to see a doctor, and a lot of other factors. Generally medication is MUCH cheaper out of the states. Have your prescriptions written in their chemical/empirical formulation (Tylenol is not Acetaminophen its Paracetamol). Have your doctor write a letter listing all your medications, dosages, and what you take them for. Have your doctor stamp it with their department of health stamp. Have your optometrist do the same for your glasses/contact lens. If you use contacts research in advance whats available. Some of the newer lenses arent available yet in many places. Having that little white prescription slip, just isnt the same. Some places require a medical examination and blood work for a visa/work permit. Talk with your school about this in advance, some schools will want you to have it done in advance some schools will take you to a clinic when you arrive. Understand that many Asian countries will not admit you if you have HIV or TB (thats the reason for the blood work and chest x-ray). You might want to have a physical before you leave and a letter about any chronic or current medical conditions you have. Im on the fence about vaccinations. Im vaccinated against everything practically, but unless your teaching out in a very rural or undeveloped area (such as a jungle) about the only thing id really recommend is hep a and hep b. If your traveling to Africa you HAVE to have a yellow fever vaccination, even if the area isnt endemic now, you dont know how it will change.
2) Documentation: Bring AND have uploaded a copy of your contract, work permit, airline itinerary, passport, drivers license (including international driving permit/IDP). You should also have copies of your kids birth certificates and your marriage certificate (as well as their passports and other documents).
If your planing on driving in your new country you might need an IDP. They are only good for a year, but Ive heard people get and pay for 2 of them and just have them dated for subsequent years. That said if your REALLY going to drive you need to get a local license at some point, try to AVOID giving them your USA drivers license as in some countries they find their way on the black market. Your passport is the most important document, and you should register with the nearest embassy/consulate in your area when you arrive. Avoid walking around with your passport, yes you can be asked for it anytime, but the only time you really HAVE to have it is when your going to the bank, checking into a hotel, going to the consulate and registering at the police/immigration office. The rest of the time carry a photo copy of the ID page and your visa page. If you ever get stopped and asked why you dont have the original tell them your very sorry, and you didnt know, but loosing your passport is a time consuming and expensive process, you have to replace the passport AND the visa. Once you get a PR/or alien registration card, carry that with you. Lastly have copies of important banking, including credit card numbers and checking account and routing (ISBN and SWIFT) numbers if you have bills back home to pay or plan on doing a wire transfer.
I would also bring a sealed copy of your transcripts and a notarized copy of your degree.
3) Personal care: So basically unless your really brand loyal to a certain product (shampoo, shaving cream, makeup, razor blade) you can most likely find a local available brand. If your happy with any shampoo for instance you will be fine. When you start getting picky thats when you have problems. Most stores will have one (maybe 2) international brands and unless you understand the language you will recognize them from their packaging. These tend to be the most expensive as well. Some things are just not available (if you use a new razor, you might not be able to find the blade refills), in which case you have to consider the cost of ordering them online or having someone back home send them to you, or switching. Its very impractical except for small things that have a long reuse time to bring enough of something for a whole year (things like soap, shampoo, mouthwash, etc). Ive had several ethnic coworkers who were very unhappy they couldnt get certain hair care products.
Personally, the two things i have trouble with finding are antiperspirant and contact lenses. I use to have a problem finding rubbing alchohol, but then i just bought a bottle of 180 proof grain alchohol and problem solved.
Woman have it harder, guys need like a dozen things tops woman seem to amass a never ending number of bath/beauty stuff (i had a teacher this year who couldnt find a ped egg, (i dont know what that is), but took her months to stop complaining about it). If you HAVE to have proactive or some other very specific bathroom thing, you need to find out if its available and then decide if its important enough to you to order and ship overseas. Lastly, if you ever need to find something the airport may have a shop that carries your specific item, and also try asking or checking at one of the international hotels in your area. Sometimes the concierge can direct you to a supplier, or you may find that a shop in the surrounding area has it. You may also be surprised what you can buy from a hotel directly. I had the hardest time finding frosted flakes and was at a hotel brunch once that had frosted flakes, and then talked to the restaurant manager who was happy to sell me boxes of it (though it was expensive).
On a side note hotels are AMAZING resources. Need to send an international fax, no problem. Need something translated, they can do that. Want to go for a swim, ask about a daily facility pass. Want a bottle of Moscatto, the wine steward can take care of you. Need a haircut with someone who understand English, they probably have a salon, and if they dont have it, they can tell you where to find it. Want to find a certain place, walk up to a hotels front desk and say your sorry but your trying to get to such and such place and they will write the name of the place down on the back of a business card in the local language then write the name of the place in English on the front and show the card to a cab driver.
4) Clothes: It should be no surprise, that you should find out the weather on your region and plan according, (you will not need a lot of sweaters in Singapore, but you will need a light jacket, sweater or wrap. Outside Singapore is hot and humid but INSIDE the air-con is set at 65-70). Some places have wet seasons where everyday you need an umbrella, dont bring one but buy one there. Check or ask about your schools dress code, some schools are fine with casual dress (khakis and shirt), some expect business attire (shirt/tie/jacket). As far as wardrobe stick with one or at max two themes. Blacks and neutrals work well for me., these type of overall themes are easy to adapt with accessories (Its easier to bring one black suit, and 5 ties, then 5 black suits and one tie). Woman have the hardest time with this because they have "outfits" that are composed of individual pieces that dont work with anything else in their wardrobe. Thats a lot of space for one days cloths. I think everyone should have one stunning piece and thats it. Understand that you may or may not have a washer and dryer. You will likely have access to a washer, but in a number of countries they dont use have dryer, you line dry your cloths. As such you should bring clothes that are machine washable, and anti wrinkle or no iron. Plan your wardrobe for longevity. There is little use in bringing 20 pairs of socks, socks are cheap and easy to find. Same thing with button down shirts and other "basics".
The only two things that are must haves are 1) large sized shoes (above a 10) and large cupped bras (above a B) are next to impossible to find in a lot of asian countries. if your loyal (or your kids) are to "American" brand anything like A&F, Aeropostale, Hollister, etc, those brands are not likely to be available locally, or at very high (almost couture) prices. 2) Deodorant/Antiperspirant. Asians dont sweat like some Caucasians do. If your one of those people that will soak a shirt in perspiration after 30 minutes in the heat buy a lot of t-shirts when you get there, but bring whatever your deodorant/antiperspirant is. Even if the brand is available locally its likely not the same formula. Most of the stuff you find in Asia is deodorant (it covers up the smell), but isnt an anti-perspirant (reduces the amount of perspiration you do).
5) Electronics: Bring your laptop, tablet, etc. Make sure you brink the adapter and a plug convertor. Be wary of other computer devices, most of them will need transformers and things like hard drives could easily short or overload. Things like hard drives, scanners, printers, are affordable and readily available. Of course if you need the hard drive because of the data, then you need it.
Smart phones are a maybe, if you have a GSM phone and can get it unlocked then bring it. If your on Verizon, or Sprint or other CDMA carrier, know that most of the rest of the world uses GSM, and your phone isnt likely to work. Maybe if you have a high end SLR camera, and wont settle for a phone camera bring that (but thats a lot of bulk). Aside from that the only other thing id recommend are an electric razor (if its dual power). Hairdryers and other small electronics are generally inexpensive cheap.
DVD's are a maybe, on one hand you can watch them on your laptop, and there isnt likely to be a lot of English language or American programing. Everywhere Ive gone there has been only a couple channels. That said region 1 DVD (USA) probably wonk work in a foreign DVD player, and an American DVD player (NTSC) is not going to support a foreign video standards. In many asian countries DVDs can be DIRT cheap, like $.25-$.50 each (yeah they are counterfeit), but thats the way it is.
6) Personal Items: I always travel with a very high quality chefs knife, its hand made (I made it) and it almost never needs more than honing (Ive had it sharpened once). Why? I can cook stirfry or pasta and a sauce in any pot, but I cant reduce vegetables or other raw food with a cheap knife that has no edge. I personally would pass on the spices. Ive yet been to any location I cant get what i want, sometimes it takes a while or I just buy from a hotel (pricey) but my spice need are generally basic: salt (some regions have a wide variety of salt) pepper, oregano, basil, rosemary and cinnamon. I do have a weakness for vanilla bean and saffron, but id prefer to buy them local then take them with me.
If there are items you really really are attached to and you can get them in your baggage than fine. Keep it to a minimum though. Try to minimize any valuables such as jewelry, watches, etc. A man needs a wedding ring and a wrist watch. A woman her wedding band, necklace and a watch. Thats it.
In regards to linens, if you bring them because you want high quality sheets, bring flat sheets (the ones without elastic) as opposed to fitted sheets (the ones with elastic) fitted sheets are multipurpose you can use a flat sheet as a fitted sheet by tucking the access material under the mattress. Fitted sheets may basically not fit. Skip the towels entirely, they take up to much room and you can buy them cheaply.
As for pots/pans, im not that much a foodie, but the space they take up isnt worth it (except for a really good chefs or utility knife, which i travel with) you can get quality items just about anywhere. There is going to be a restaurant supply store that sells cheap but high quality items.
1) Medical: You dont know when your health insurance is going to kick in, when youll have a chance to see a doctor, and a lot of other factors. Generally medication is MUCH cheaper out of the states. Have your prescriptions written in their chemical/empirical formulation (Tylenol is not Acetaminophen its Paracetamol). Have your doctor write a letter listing all your medications, dosages, and what you take them for. Have your doctor stamp it with their department of health stamp. Have your optometrist do the same for your glasses/contact lens. If you use contacts research in advance whats available. Some of the newer lenses arent available yet in many places. Having that little white prescription slip, just isnt the same. Some places require a medical examination and blood work for a visa/work permit. Talk with your school about this in advance, some schools will want you to have it done in advance some schools will take you to a clinic when you arrive. Understand that many Asian countries will not admit you if you have HIV or TB (thats the reason for the blood work and chest x-ray). You might want to have a physical before you leave and a letter about any chronic or current medical conditions you have. Im on the fence about vaccinations. Im vaccinated against everything practically, but unless your teaching out in a very rural or undeveloped area (such as a jungle) about the only thing id really recommend is hep a and hep b. If your traveling to Africa you HAVE to have a yellow fever vaccination, even if the area isnt endemic now, you dont know how it will change.
2) Documentation: Bring AND have uploaded a copy of your contract, work permit, airline itinerary, passport, drivers license (including international driving permit/IDP). You should also have copies of your kids birth certificates and your marriage certificate (as well as their passports and other documents).
If your planing on driving in your new country you might need an IDP. They are only good for a year, but Ive heard people get and pay for 2 of them and just have them dated for subsequent years. That said if your REALLY going to drive you need to get a local license at some point, try to AVOID giving them your USA drivers license as in some countries they find their way on the black market. Your passport is the most important document, and you should register with the nearest embassy/consulate in your area when you arrive. Avoid walking around with your passport, yes you can be asked for it anytime, but the only time you really HAVE to have it is when your going to the bank, checking into a hotel, going to the consulate and registering at the police/immigration office. The rest of the time carry a photo copy of the ID page and your visa page. If you ever get stopped and asked why you dont have the original tell them your very sorry, and you didnt know, but loosing your passport is a time consuming and expensive process, you have to replace the passport AND the visa. Once you get a PR/or alien registration card, carry that with you. Lastly have copies of important banking, including credit card numbers and checking account and routing (ISBN and SWIFT) numbers if you have bills back home to pay or plan on doing a wire transfer.
I would also bring a sealed copy of your transcripts and a notarized copy of your degree.
3) Personal care: So basically unless your really brand loyal to a certain product (shampoo, shaving cream, makeup, razor blade) you can most likely find a local available brand. If your happy with any shampoo for instance you will be fine. When you start getting picky thats when you have problems. Most stores will have one (maybe 2) international brands and unless you understand the language you will recognize them from their packaging. These tend to be the most expensive as well. Some things are just not available (if you use a new razor, you might not be able to find the blade refills), in which case you have to consider the cost of ordering them online or having someone back home send them to you, or switching. Its very impractical except for small things that have a long reuse time to bring enough of something for a whole year (things like soap, shampoo, mouthwash, etc). Ive had several ethnic coworkers who were very unhappy they couldnt get certain hair care products.
Personally, the two things i have trouble with finding are antiperspirant and contact lenses. I use to have a problem finding rubbing alchohol, but then i just bought a bottle of 180 proof grain alchohol and problem solved.
Woman have it harder, guys need like a dozen things tops woman seem to amass a never ending number of bath/beauty stuff (i had a teacher this year who couldnt find a ped egg, (i dont know what that is), but took her months to stop complaining about it). If you HAVE to have proactive or some other very specific bathroom thing, you need to find out if its available and then decide if its important enough to you to order and ship overseas. Lastly, if you ever need to find something the airport may have a shop that carries your specific item, and also try asking or checking at one of the international hotels in your area. Sometimes the concierge can direct you to a supplier, or you may find that a shop in the surrounding area has it. You may also be surprised what you can buy from a hotel directly. I had the hardest time finding frosted flakes and was at a hotel brunch once that had frosted flakes, and then talked to the restaurant manager who was happy to sell me boxes of it (though it was expensive).
On a side note hotels are AMAZING resources. Need to send an international fax, no problem. Need something translated, they can do that. Want to go for a swim, ask about a daily facility pass. Want a bottle of Moscatto, the wine steward can take care of you. Need a haircut with someone who understand English, they probably have a salon, and if they dont have it, they can tell you where to find it. Want to find a certain place, walk up to a hotels front desk and say your sorry but your trying to get to such and such place and they will write the name of the place down on the back of a business card in the local language then write the name of the place in English on the front and show the card to a cab driver.
4) Clothes: It should be no surprise, that you should find out the weather on your region and plan according, (you will not need a lot of sweaters in Singapore, but you will need a light jacket, sweater or wrap. Outside Singapore is hot and humid but INSIDE the air-con is set at 65-70). Some places have wet seasons where everyday you need an umbrella, dont bring one but buy one there. Check or ask about your schools dress code, some schools are fine with casual dress (khakis and shirt), some expect business attire (shirt/tie/jacket). As far as wardrobe stick with one or at max two themes. Blacks and neutrals work well for me., these type of overall themes are easy to adapt with accessories (Its easier to bring one black suit, and 5 ties, then 5 black suits and one tie). Woman have the hardest time with this because they have "outfits" that are composed of individual pieces that dont work with anything else in their wardrobe. Thats a lot of space for one days cloths. I think everyone should have one stunning piece and thats it. Understand that you may or may not have a washer and dryer. You will likely have access to a washer, but in a number of countries they dont use have dryer, you line dry your cloths. As such you should bring clothes that are machine washable, and anti wrinkle or no iron. Plan your wardrobe for longevity. There is little use in bringing 20 pairs of socks, socks are cheap and easy to find. Same thing with button down shirts and other "basics".
The only two things that are must haves are 1) large sized shoes (above a 10) and large cupped bras (above a B) are next to impossible to find in a lot of asian countries. if your loyal (or your kids) are to "American" brand anything like A&F, Aeropostale, Hollister, etc, those brands are not likely to be available locally, or at very high (almost couture) prices. 2) Deodorant/Antiperspirant. Asians dont sweat like some Caucasians do. If your one of those people that will soak a shirt in perspiration after 30 minutes in the heat buy a lot of t-shirts when you get there, but bring whatever your deodorant/antiperspirant is. Even if the brand is available locally its likely not the same formula. Most of the stuff you find in Asia is deodorant (it covers up the smell), but isnt an anti-perspirant (reduces the amount of perspiration you do).
5) Electronics: Bring your laptop, tablet, etc. Make sure you brink the adapter and a plug convertor. Be wary of other computer devices, most of them will need transformers and things like hard drives could easily short or overload. Things like hard drives, scanners, printers, are affordable and readily available. Of course if you need the hard drive because of the data, then you need it.
Smart phones are a maybe, if you have a GSM phone and can get it unlocked then bring it. If your on Verizon, or Sprint or other CDMA carrier, know that most of the rest of the world uses GSM, and your phone isnt likely to work. Maybe if you have a high end SLR camera, and wont settle for a phone camera bring that (but thats a lot of bulk). Aside from that the only other thing id recommend are an electric razor (if its dual power). Hairdryers and other small electronics are generally inexpensive cheap.
DVD's are a maybe, on one hand you can watch them on your laptop, and there isnt likely to be a lot of English language or American programing. Everywhere Ive gone there has been only a couple channels. That said region 1 DVD (USA) probably wonk work in a foreign DVD player, and an American DVD player (NTSC) is not going to support a foreign video standards. In many asian countries DVDs can be DIRT cheap, like $.25-$.50 each (yeah they are counterfeit), but thats the way it is.
6) Personal Items: I always travel with a very high quality chefs knife, its hand made (I made it) and it almost never needs more than honing (Ive had it sharpened once). Why? I can cook stirfry or pasta and a sauce in any pot, but I cant reduce vegetables or other raw food with a cheap knife that has no edge. I personally would pass on the spices. Ive yet been to any location I cant get what i want, sometimes it takes a while or I just buy from a hotel (pricey) but my spice need are generally basic: salt (some regions have a wide variety of salt) pepper, oregano, basil, rosemary and cinnamon. I do have a weakness for vanilla bean and saffron, but id prefer to buy them local then take them with me.
If there are items you really really are attached to and you can get them in your baggage than fine. Keep it to a minimum though. Try to minimize any valuables such as jewelry, watches, etc. A man needs a wedding ring and a wrist watch. A woman her wedding band, necklace and a watch. Thats it.
In regards to linens, if you bring them because you want high quality sheets, bring flat sheets (the ones without elastic) as opposed to fitted sheets (the ones with elastic) fitted sheets are multipurpose you can use a flat sheet as a fitted sheet by tucking the access material under the mattress. Fitted sheets may basically not fit. Skip the towels entirely, they take up to much room and you can buy them cheaply.
As for pots/pans, im not that much a foodie, but the space they take up isnt worth it (except for a really good chefs or utility knife, which i travel with) you can get quality items just about anywhere. There is going to be a restaurant supply store that sells cheap but high quality items.
Re: Documentation
Can you tell me anything about the whole apostille thing. What documents require one? I would much rather get a bunch done at once before I leave and use them for the next few places of employment than try to organise it from afar.
In terms of personal items, I've moved countries a lot, so not really bothered about clothing, toiletries etc., but am more worried about licences, police checks etc.
Copies of these (but need they be notarised or apostilled?):
- passport
- contract
- drivers licence
- international driving licence
- police clearance (how far back do these need to go?)
- university transcript(s)
- birth certificate?
- marriage certificate (N/A to me)
- name change certificate (N/A to me)
- teaching licence/card
- anything else?
In terms of personal items, I've moved countries a lot, so not really bothered about clothing, toiletries etc., but am more worried about licences, police checks etc.
Copies of these (but need they be notarised or apostilled?):
- passport
- contract
- drivers licence
- international driving licence
- police clearance (how far back do these need to go?)
- university transcript(s)
- birth certificate?
- marriage certificate (N/A to me)
- name change certificate (N/A to me)
- teaching licence/card
- anything else?
Re: Documentation
beanie wrote:
> Can you tell me anything about the whole apostille thing. What documents
> require one? I would much rather get a bunch done at once before I leave
> and use them for the next few places of employment than try to organise it
> from afar.
>
> In terms of personal items, I've moved countries a lot, so not really
> bothered about clothing, toiletries etc., but am more worried about
> licences, police checks etc.
>
> Copies of these (but need they be notarised or apostilled?):
> - passport - NO
> - contract - NO
> - drivers licence - NO
> - international driving licence - NO
> - police clearance (how far back do these need to go?) - W/IN 6 MONTHS
> - university transcript(s) YES
> - birth certificate? - NO
> - marriage certificate (N/A to me) - DEPENDS - M.E.? TURKEY? YES.
> - name change certificate (N/A to me) - IF IT EFFECTS DEGREE/TRANSCRIPT YES!
> - teaching licence/card - NO
> - anything else? - MAYBE
your schools liason should tell you what you need to get apostilled/notarized. they will need it to start visa process...or they will tell you to start it. in any case, no need to get it apostilled if its not needed. the above is what i can remember from my past jobs. main point is that it just depends on where you're going, but they should tell u what u need to do.
v.
> Can you tell me anything about the whole apostille thing. What documents
> require one? I would much rather get a bunch done at once before I leave
> and use them for the next few places of employment than try to organise it
> from afar.
>
> In terms of personal items, I've moved countries a lot, so not really
> bothered about clothing, toiletries etc., but am more worried about
> licences, police checks etc.
>
> Copies of these (but need they be notarised or apostilled?):
> - passport - NO
> - contract - NO
> - drivers licence - NO
> - international driving licence - NO
> - police clearance (how far back do these need to go?) - W/IN 6 MONTHS
> - university transcript(s) YES
> - birth certificate? - NO
> - marriage certificate (N/A to me) - DEPENDS - M.E.? TURKEY? YES.
> - name change certificate (N/A to me) - IF IT EFFECTS DEGREE/TRANSCRIPT YES!
> - teaching licence/card - NO
> - anything else? - MAYBE
your schools liason should tell you what you need to get apostilled/notarized. they will need it to start visa process...or they will tell you to start it. in any case, no need to get it apostilled if its not needed. the above is what i can remember from my past jobs. main point is that it just depends on where you're going, but they should tell u what u need to do.
v.
Reply
@beanie
An apostile is the process of validating the signature and execution of a notary or other authentication agent. Essentially the notary/authentication agent is the one examining your documents they then notarize the document. The apostile is confirmation by the designated official office that the authenticating agents signature and seal match those on file with the designated apostiling office. The Hague convention governs the declaration and governing law of apostiles. Apostiles are much more a requirement in the EU than they are in Asia. If you apply for an apostile for use in a region that is not a . to the Hague convention, you will often get a verification and not an apostile. Apostiles are specific to each country but generally a country will accept an apostille for one country when the region for the apostile is an EU country and the apositle is being used in another EU country.
The process is fairly simple, you request a notarized copy of your document, and then complete a separate form and a fee that gets sent to the home office or the secretary of state, who attaches an apostile document to it. This document is often stapled to the notarized/official copy, its important to protect the integrity of the staple.
In regards to your clarifications:
- passport: No
- contract: No, but I would get the contract notarized at your HOR, and file a copy in your local court house or municipal recorders office. Why because then you can argue that because the contract was executed in your HOR, that that judicial system would be able to claim jurisdiction. Effectively, you could file suite at your HOR (though collecting or enforcing a judgement would be a completely different issue).
- drivers license: No, but you may want to get a copy of your driving record, assuming its pristine.
- international driving license: No, IDPs are little more than a translation of your driving license. However, depending on the agent they may be willing to post date it for after your arrival, or even allow you to purchase 2 of them with subsequent dates, effectively giving you 2 years. Before you go though check on driving and identification in your new region, you may be required to get a regional local license within a very brief period of time once you have residence status.
- police clearance (how far back do these need to go?): They need to be complete, at least 5 years, and they need to be recent often within three too six months (and three months is more common). This needs to be notarized and possibly apostiled. Id apostile it.
- university transcript(s): Notarized and Apostiled.
- birth certificate: For dependent children they should be notarized and apostiled. For yourself, an official copy is fine.
- marriage certificate (N/A to me): Notarized and Apostiled if going to Asia or the ME (if the EU and official copy is satisfactory). If you are single you want to get a declaration of eligibility to marry (notarized and apostiled). If divorced you want the divorce decree copy notarized and apostiled.
- name change certificate (N/A to me) Notarized and Apostiled.
- teaching licence/card: Notarized and Apostiled.
In addition:
Degree: A copy of the actual degree scroll should be notarized and apostiled. It is a toss up whether to bring the actual one with you, if you do you should have is authenticated on the back.
Immunizations: Documents should be on official documents (yellow card).
Medications: You have should have a notarized letter from your physician on official letterhead. They should list the dosage, how often, and the chemical/compound name.
Disability: Any documentation you have should be on official letterhead
Medical Exam: Your medical exam if you have to do it before arriving often requires a number of signatures from people many hospitals and medical facilities almost never have contact with. It should be notarized.
Bank Introduction letter: Should be Notarized and on official letterhead and singed by the executive officer of the bank. It should state how long your account has been open and the average balance.
Wills, Power Of Attorney, etc.: Should be notarized and recorded with the municipal recorders or court clerk, then you want a notarized and apostiled abstract.
An apostile is the process of validating the signature and execution of a notary or other authentication agent. Essentially the notary/authentication agent is the one examining your documents they then notarize the document. The apostile is confirmation by the designated official office that the authenticating agents signature and seal match those on file with the designated apostiling office. The Hague convention governs the declaration and governing law of apostiles. Apostiles are much more a requirement in the EU than they are in Asia. If you apply for an apostile for use in a region that is not a . to the Hague convention, you will often get a verification and not an apostile. Apostiles are specific to each country but generally a country will accept an apostille for one country when the region for the apostile is an EU country and the apositle is being used in another EU country.
The process is fairly simple, you request a notarized copy of your document, and then complete a separate form and a fee that gets sent to the home office or the secretary of state, who attaches an apostile document to it. This document is often stapled to the notarized/official copy, its important to protect the integrity of the staple.
In regards to your clarifications:
- passport: No
- contract: No, but I would get the contract notarized at your HOR, and file a copy in your local court house or municipal recorders office. Why because then you can argue that because the contract was executed in your HOR, that that judicial system would be able to claim jurisdiction. Effectively, you could file suite at your HOR (though collecting or enforcing a judgement would be a completely different issue).
- drivers license: No, but you may want to get a copy of your driving record, assuming its pristine.
- international driving license: No, IDPs are little more than a translation of your driving license. However, depending on the agent they may be willing to post date it for after your arrival, or even allow you to purchase 2 of them with subsequent dates, effectively giving you 2 years. Before you go though check on driving and identification in your new region, you may be required to get a regional local license within a very brief period of time once you have residence status.
- police clearance (how far back do these need to go?): They need to be complete, at least 5 years, and they need to be recent often within three too six months (and three months is more common). This needs to be notarized and possibly apostiled. Id apostile it.
- university transcript(s): Notarized and Apostiled.
- birth certificate: For dependent children they should be notarized and apostiled. For yourself, an official copy is fine.
- marriage certificate (N/A to me): Notarized and Apostiled if going to Asia or the ME (if the EU and official copy is satisfactory). If you are single you want to get a declaration of eligibility to marry (notarized and apostiled). If divorced you want the divorce decree copy notarized and apostiled.
- name change certificate (N/A to me) Notarized and Apostiled.
- teaching licence/card: Notarized and Apostiled.
In addition:
Degree: A copy of the actual degree scroll should be notarized and apostiled. It is a toss up whether to bring the actual one with you, if you do you should have is authenticated on the back.
Immunizations: Documents should be on official documents (yellow card).
Medications: You have should have a notarized letter from your physician on official letterhead. They should list the dosage, how often, and the chemical/compound name.
Disability: Any documentation you have should be on official letterhead
Medical Exam: Your medical exam if you have to do it before arriving often requires a number of signatures from people many hospitals and medical facilities almost never have contact with. It should be notarized.
Bank Introduction letter: Should be Notarized and on official letterhead and singed by the executive officer of the bank. It should state how long your account has been open and the average balance.
Wills, Power Of Attorney, etc.: Should be notarized and recorded with the municipal recorders or court clerk, then you want a notarized and apostiled abstract.