Vidimization
Vidimation is the Swedish term for certifying that a copy is a true copy of the original. For use abroad, and whenever a bank, authority or university asks for a notarized copy, the certification must be done by a Notary Public. At Apostille24 you get certified copies within minutes at our Stockholm drop-in.
When do you need a certified copy?
- Foreign banks asking for a certified passport copy when you open an account
- Universities abroad requiring certified copies of grades and diplomas
- Authorities requesting certified copies of company registration certificates
- Contracts, court documents and other records where the original must stay with you
Who can certify a copy in Sweden?
For simple Swedish matters, two private individuals can attest a copy. But as soon as the document is going abroad, or the receiving party requires notarized certification, a Notary Public must do it. The Notary Public compares the copy against the original and certifies the match with stamp and signature. If the destination country is a Hague Convention member, the certified copy can then receive an Apostille to make it internationally valid.
How it works at Apostille24
- Bring the original document and a valid ID to our drop-in at Kungsgatan 37 (weekdays 09:00-16:00). We make the copies on site if you need.
- The Notary Public compares copy and original and certifies the copy.
- Need it for use abroad? We add an Apostille in the same visit.
We certify copies of passports, ID cards, diplomas, registration certificates, contracts and most other documents. For witnessing of signatures and other notarial services, see document notarization or our full Notary Public services.
Frequently asked questions
Who can certify a copy of a document in Sweden?
For simple Swedish matters, two private individuals can attest that a copy matches the original. For use abroad, and whenever a bank or authority asks for notarized certification, the copy must be certified by a Notary Public.
What is vidimation?
Vidimation is the Swedish term for certifying that a copy is a true copy of the original document. The certifier compares the copy against the original and confirms the match with a signature or stamp.
Do I need to bring the original document?
Yes. The Notary Public must compare the copy against the original to certify it, so always bring the original to the drop-in or include it safely when sending documents by post.
Can a certified copy get an Apostille?
Yes. A copy certified by a Notary Public can be given an Apostille, which makes it valid in all Hague Convention countries. This combination is common for passports, diplomas and company documents.