Authentication is a generic term that commonly refers to the process of verifying the origin of a public document by certifying the authenticity of the signature and legal authority of the public official who signed it. It does not, however, certify the content of the public document to which it relates. 

Specifically, Authentication refers to the attestation by the Philippine Consular Office or competent authority of the genuineness of the signature appearing on the document, for the purpose of identifying a specific document and giving credence to the official act of the notary public or certifying officers thereon for use, if and when required, as an instrument of evidence in a foreign country. 

I. AUTHENTICATION OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS OF FILIPINOS IN COUNTRIES UNDER THE EMBASSY'S JURISDICTION

For countries which are signatory to the Apostille Convention, employment contracts must be verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), or authenticated or acknowledged by the Philippine Embassy (PE) or Consulate General (PCG), per Memorandum Circular No. 8, Series of 2019 dated 29 August 2019 by the POEA. Likewise, where there is no POLO, employment contracts are to be authenticated or acknowledged at the Philippine Embassy (PE) or Consulate General where the Overseas Filipino Workers are bound for work. 

Why is there a need to verify, authenticate, or acknowledge employment contracts? This is done to "ensure that all the employment rights, benefits and welfare of Filipino migrant workers at the worksite are duly protected. x x x ... that the employment contracts of overseas Filipino Workers are consistent with the prevailing employment laws, standards and practices in both the Philippines and the host country, and that the documentary requirements for overseas employment as required by the Administration are complied with." [2016 Revised POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Landbased Overseas Filipino Worker Part III Rule I Section 95 Paragraph 2]

For foreign employers who want to authenticate employment contracts of Filipinos in countries under the Embassy's jurisdiction, the documents listed below must be complied with. The Embassy authenticates employment contracts that follow the prescribed format only.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTHENTICATION OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

A. Direct Hire (Professional and Skilled Workers):

1. Duly signed standard employment contract, with the following documents attached:

a) Copy of passports of the employer and the employee
b) Working permit or green card
c) Approval of Ministry of Interior/Labor for foreign quota allocation of employment;
d) Copy of Companies Registration Certificate (from the Corporate Affairs Commission if from Nigeria)
e) Evidence of Company Tax payment
f) Company certification of the position of the signatories to the contract

2. Contingency Plan with attached copy of the Passport of the Employer

3. Affidavit of Undertaking by Employer with attached copy of the Passport of the Employer

4. Copy of the insurance policy provided by the insurance company indicated in the contingency plan form (read: compulsory insurance FAQs by POEA and MC No. 10 on the Guidelines Implementing DOLE DO No. 228, s. 2021 on the Expanded Coverage of Compulsory Insurance for Rehires and Direct Hires and Enhanced Insurance Coverage)

NOTE: Please read the complete POEA requirements for hiring of Professional and Skilled Workers. Direct Hiring is allowed under certain exemptions only. 

PLEASE READ: GUIDELINES ON THE DIRECT HIRING OF FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS AND SKILLED WORKERS

B. Hired through Agency in the Philippines:

1. Duly signed standard employment contract, with the following documents attached:  

a) Copy of passports of the employer and the employee
b) Working permit or green card
c) Approval of Ministry of Interior/Labor for foreign quota allocation of employment;
d) Copy of Companies Registration Certificate (from the Corporate Affairs Commission if from Nigeria)
e) Evidence of Company Tax payment
f) Company certification of the position of the signatories to the contract

2. Contingency Plan withattached copy of the Passport of the Employer

3. Affidavit of Undertaking by Employer with attached copy of the Passport of the Employer

4. Copy of the insurance policy provided by the insurance company indicated in the contingency plan form (read: compulsory insurance FAQs by POEA and MC No. 10 on the Guidelines Implementing DOLE DO No. 228, s. 2021 on the Expanded Coverage of Compulsory Insurance for Rehires and Direct Hires and Enhanced Insurance Coverage)

5. Special power of Attorney (for new employment contract application) with attached opy of the Passport of the Employer6. Recruitment Agreement (partner Philippine Agency)

7. POEA License of the Philippine Agency (partner Philippine Agency)

NOTE: Documents for Authentication should be authenticated by the MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (or equivalent) where the document was issued. ALL DOCUMENTS MUST HAVE A DUPLICATE OF THE ORIGINAL. 

II. AUTHENTICATION OF ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS

For all other documents issued by authorities from the countries under the Embassy's jurisdiction and to be submitted to Philippine authorities, please submit the Original and Certified True Copies of the document, duly authenticated by the MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (or equivalent) of the origin country of the documents.

NOTE: For documents from countries that are party to the Apostille Convention, after authentication by the Embassy, there is no more need for legalization by the concerned Foreign Embassy / Consulate (except for Austria, Finland, Germany and Greece as they have objected to the Philippines’ accession).  

If the country of destination of the document is NOT a State Party to the Convention, or if the document will be submitted in Austria, Finland, Germany, or Greece, legalization by the concerned Foreign Embassy / Consulate is still required. 

FEES: View the Itemized Schedule of Consular Fees for the complete list of fees.