Multilingual Standard Form (MSF)

Since February 2019 you no longer need to get the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stamp (apostille process) if a government body in an EU member state country asks you for a birth certificate or another certificate (marriage, civil partnership or death certificate).

When you need to get a birth certificate or other certificateto use in another EU country you can ask for a Multilingual Standard Form (MSF) and this will be accepted in the other EU country. It is a translation aid and is only of use when used with the original certificate. When you have a MSF you don’t have to get an official or certified translation. The MSF is free of charge. This new document was introduced under EU Regulation 2016/1191 on Public Documents. This Regulation makes it easier and less costly for people to deal with government bodies in other EU countries.

Regulation on Public Documents Regulation 2016/1191 applies in all EU countries.