In 2024, the Cayman Islands government introduced a new procedure for legalizing extracts from the General Register, simplifying the process for obtaining apostilled documents. The service is now fully available through the government's online portal.
To remotely obtain an apostilled extract, users can visit the "Online Tools" section of the website, select the option for courier delivery of the extract with apostille certification, make the required payment, and submit a payment receipt to the Corporate Services Office. The documents will then be delivered once processed.
This reform also includes an update to the apostille procedure itself. Previously, the apostille stamp was issued in the name of the Governor, but it is now issued either directly by the head of the Passport and Corporate Services Authority or on their behalf. This change has been positively received by the UK Legalization Authority and is expected to streamline the process without creating any additional challenges for applicants.
An Apostille is a standardized form of certification that authenticates documents for international use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention. The apostille stamp is applied to both originals and copies, ensuring the document's legality without requiring further certification. It is recognized by all countries that are signatories to the Convention, which has seen a significant expansion in recent years. Notably, countries such as China, Canada, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have joined the Convention between 2021 and 2024, increasing the global reach and utility of the Apostille system.
This procedural update reflects the Cayman Islands' continued efforts to improve its services for both residents and international businesses, maintaining its status as a prominent offshore jurisdiction.
