Quick answer
Since the Apostille Convention entered into force for Morocco in 2016, certain public documents intended for another state party may be apostilled instead of following a traditional legalization chain. The apostille certifies the origin of the document — signature, capacity of the signatory and seal or stamp — but does not certify its content.
What to check before you begin
Judicial, administrative and notarial documents may fall within the Convention’s scope, as may certain official declarations placed on private documents. By contrast, documents prepared by diplomatic or consular agents and certain administrative documents directly related to commercial or customs operations are excluded from the Convention’s scope. A translation may be necessary for final use, but that is a separate matter from the apostille.
This guide focuses on the action to complete: understanding the procedure, preparing the right information and switching to the official portal at the appropriate time. e-services.ma remains a private, independent website and does not replace the public administration.
Requirements and preliminary checks
- The document must fall within a category of public documents covered by the Convention.
- The country where the document will be used must be covered by the Apostille regime at the time of the procedure.
- The competent authority depends on the judicial, administrative or notarial origin of the document.
Documents and information to prepare
The list below is intended to help you prepare. If the official portal displays a different or more precise list for your situation, the official list takes precedence.
- Original document or acceptable version, depending on the competent authority.
- Information about the destination country and intended use.
- Reference for the online request when pre-registration is used.
- Identity document or authorization if required by the authority for filing or collection.
How to complete the procedure: the steps
- Check that the destination country accepts an apostille for the document concerned.
- Identify the competent Moroccan authority according to the nature of the document.
- Use apostille.ma to prepare the request when it is available for your case.
- Present or send the document according to the competent authority’s instructions.
- Check the issued apostille before sending the document abroad.
Fees, deadlines and information that may change
Do not confuse the possible cost of copies, translations or ancillary services with the apostille itself. Check current arrangements for your document with the portal and competent authority.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Request an apostille when the destination country is not concerned.
- Choose a competent authority that does not correspond to the origin of the document.
- Believe that an apostille validates the content or factual accuracy of the document.
- Have a translation or legalization done unnecessarily before checking the process required by the recipient.
— apostille Maroc FAQ
What is the difference between an apostille and legalization?
Between states covered by the Convention, an apostille replaces the traditional legalization procedure for covered documents. Outside this framework, other formalities may still be necessary.
Does an apostille prove that the document’s content is true?
No. It authenticates the origin of the document, including the signature, the signer’s capacity and the seal or stamp.
Can all Moroccan documents be apostilled?
No. You need to check the nature of the document, the competent authority and the destination country.
Where should an application be made?
The apostille.ma portal provides the official pathway and directs you to the competent authorities according to the document.
Official sources and transparency
Sources consulted to prepare this guide:
Last editorial review: 23 August 2026. If information on this page differs from the public portal, follow the most recent official information.