# FAQs: Attesting foreign documents to use in Sierra Leone

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

**Source** [FAQs - Authenticating document to use in Sierra Leone](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Sierra-Leone-certify-FAQs)>
**Related:** [Attest Documents for use in Sierra Leone](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Certify-documents-Sierra-Leone) · [Legalize Sierra Leone Documents for international use](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Sierra-Leone-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 Sierra Leone?
For further information about legalizing documents for use in Sierra Leone, see:
[Certify international documents for use in Sierra Leone](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Certify-documents-Sierra-Leone)


### Can foreign documents required for submission to Sierra Leone be authenticated with an Apostille?
No - Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone, it must be legalized by the issuing country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the accredited Sierra Leone embassy or consulate.


### What is Sierra Leone embassy document attestation?
Document attestation by Sierra Leone embassies is a procedure to legalize foreign documents that are required for submission to authorities in Sierra Leone or in support of Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone is a not member of the Apostille Convention, an Apostille Stamps will not be accepted directly in Sierra Leone.
[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 Sierra Leone?
A first option is to carry out a translation of the document in the country of origin. The Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone embassy, making it valid for use in Sierra Leone.