Quick answer: To work or study abroad you often need to Apostille Swedish degree documents. In Sweden the Apostille is issued by a Notarius Publicus. Swedish degree certificates are usually bilingual and come with a free English Diploma Supplement; when that is not enough, an Apostille, and sometimes a certified translation, makes the document valid in Hague Convention countries.
When does a Swedish degree need an Apostille?
You usually need an Apostille on a Swedish degree certificate when a foreign employer, university, licensing body or immigration authority asks for proof that your qualification is genuine. The Apostille confirms that the signature and stamp on the certificate are authentic, which is what most receiving institutions abroad require.
The degree certificate and the Diploma Supplement
A degree certificate from a Swedish state university is normally issued in both Swedish and English. With it you also receive an English-language Diploma Supplement that describes the qualification, its level and the credits earned. The Diploma Supplement is designed to make recognition easier abroad, but on its own it does not authenticate the document, which is where the Apostille comes in.
Apostille vs legalisation
If your destination country is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention, an Apostille is enough. You can check membership through the HCCH. For non-member countries the certificate must instead be legalised through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and then by the destination country’s embassy in Stockholm.
Who issues the Apostille in Sweden
Since 2005, only a Notarius Publicus may issue an Apostille in Sweden. For degree documents, a Notarius Publicus typically confirms the authenticity of the issuing university’s signature before applying the Apostille. Apostille24 arranges this through a Notarius Publicus in Stockholm and can handle the process remotely.
Older diplomas and translations
If your degree certificate was issued before bilingual certificates and the Diploma Supplement became standard, or if the receiving country does not accept English, you may need a certified translation by an authorised translator certified by Kammarkollegiet. The translation can be Apostilled together with the certificate.
Transcripts and other education documents
Besides the degree certificate, you may need to legalise transcripts of records, course certificates or upper-secondary school grades. The same principle applies: a Notarius Publicus Apostilles each document for Hague Convention countries. For recognition questions, the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) is the national reference point.
Step by step
First, obtain your original degree certificate and Diploma Supplement from your university. Second, have the certificate Apostilled by a Notarius Publicus. Third, add a certified translation if the destination requires it, and Apostille the translation if needed. Finally, submit the legalised documents to the employer, university or authority abroad.
Working vs further studies abroad
For employment abroad, employers and regulators usually want an Apostilled degree certificate, and regulated professions may require additional verification. For further studies, the receiving university often wants the Apostilled certificate plus transcripts and the Diploma Supplement. Confirm the exact set with the institution before you start.
How Apostille24 can help
Apostille24 helps you get your Swedish degree certificate, transcripts and translations Apostilled for use abroad. We arrange the Apostille through a Notarius Publicus and can add a certified translation when required. You receive an individual quote up front and can handle everything remotely.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the Apostille on a Swedish degree?
A Notarius Publicus. Since 2005, only a Notarius Publicus may issue an Apostille in Sweden. Universities do not issue Apostilles.
Is the Diploma Supplement enough on its own?
No. The Diploma Supplement helps with recognition but does not authenticate the document. An Apostille is still needed when a foreign authority requires legalisation.
Do I need a translation?
Often not for the certificate itself, since it is usually bilingual. A certified translation may be needed for older diplomas, transcripts, or countries that do not accept English.
What if my destination is not in the Hague Convention?
Then an Apostille is not enough. The document must be legalised through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the destination country’s embassy.
Can I Apostille transcripts and school grades too?
Yes. Transcripts, course certificates and upper-secondary grades can each be Apostilled by a Notarius Publicus.
Does it matter which university issued the degree?
The process is the same for state universities. A Notarius Publicus confirms the authenticity of the issuing signature before applying the Apostille.
Can Apostille24 handle it remotely?
Yes. You can send your documents, verify your identity and receive the Apostilled set back, without visiting in person.
How long does it take?
The Apostille itself is quick once originals are available. Allow extra time if a certified translation is also required.
Get your Swedish degree Apostilled
Heading abroad to work or study? Contact Apostille24 for a free, individual quote. We arrange the Apostille on your degree certificate, transcripts and translations through a Notarius Publicus.