# FAQs: Attesting foreign documents to use in Laos

> Frequently asked questions about legalizing foreign documents for submission to authorities in Laos - birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, academic documents and other documents required for Lao visa and citizenship applications.

**Source** [FAQs - Authenticating document to use in Laos](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Laos-certify-FAQs)>
**Related:** [Attest Documents for use in Laos](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Certify-documents-Laos) · [Legalize Lao Documents for international use](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Laos-Legalization-Services) · [Get a Quotation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry)

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## General Questions

### How can foreign documents be certified for official use in Laos?
For further information about legalizing documents for use in Laos, see:
[Certify international documents for use in Laos](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Certify-documents-Laos)


### Can foreign documents required for submission to Laos be authenticated with an Apostille?
No - Laos is not a member of the Apostille Convention and will not therefore recognise Apostille Stamps issued by other countries. To legalize a document for use in Laos, it must be legalized by the issuing country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the accredited Lao embassy or consulate.


### What is Lao embassy document attestation?
Document attestation by Lao embassies is a procedure to legalize foreign documents that are required for submission to authorities in Laos or in support of Lao visa or citizenship applications. Normally the document must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country before being submitted to the embassy for attestation. A certified translation may also be required.
Since Laos is a not member of the Apostille Convention, an Apostille Stamps will not be accepted directly in Laos.
[Check legalization procedures by country](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/country-list-authentications-apostilles)

## Other documents

### How can I certify a translation of a foreign document for use in Laos?
A first option is to carry out a translation of the document in the country of origin. The Lao embassy may require a translation in any case in order to attest the original document. The embassy may have specific requirements for the translation, otherwise in most countries a locally certified, sworn or notarized translation can be authenticated by the originating country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Lao embassy, making it valid for use in Laos.