High School Diploma Apostille in Milan

High School Diploma apostille Milan: officially certified by the Prefettura (Prefecture) for international recognition.

High School Diploma Apostille

Hague Member

Document type High School Diploma

Competent authority Prefettura (Prefecture)

Standard turnaround 2–10 business days (varies by Prefettura)

Information validated 29 July 2026

Complete Guide

How to Apostille a High School Diploma from Milan, Italy

A complete guide to legalising your Milan-issued high school diploma with an apostille for use abroad, including where to get the document certified and what steps to follow.

In this guide

Apostilling a High School Diploma from Milan
Issuing body & pre-requisites for a High School Diploma
Cost & turnaround
Common uses abroad
Translation & acceptance notes

Apostilling a High School Diploma from Milan

To get your high school diploma recognised outside Italy, you need an apostille. This stamp confirms the document is real so foreign authorities will accept it. The process to apostille a High School Diploma in Italy starts with the school that issued it. Ask them for a certified copy or 'copia conforme' if you no longer have the original. The school's stamp and signature must be fresh, usually dated within the last six months, or the Prefettura may reject it.

Issuing body & pre-requisites for a High School Diploma

The Prefettura in Milan handles the apostille for your high school diploma. Before you go, make sure the school's stamp is clear and the headmaster's signature is visible. You will also need a tax stamp called 'marca da bollo' from a tobacco shop. Some documents are exempt from this fee, but most high school diplomas require it. The office checks that everything matches the records before they apply the apostille.

Cost & turnaround

The apostille cost for a High School Diploma in Milan includes the official fee for the tax stamp. Processing times vary depending on how busy the Prefettura is, but it usually takes a few working days. Bring cash for the tax stamp since not all offices accept cards. If you need the apostille quickly, some services can help speed up the process, though this may involve extra steps.

Common uses abroad

Once you have the apostille, your diploma is ready for use in other Hague Convention countries. Common reasons include university applications, job offers, or professional licences abroad. Some countries ask for extra steps like translation or embassy legalisation even with the apostille. Check what the receiving country needs before you start the process to save time later.

Translation & acceptance notes

For the legalisation of a High School Diploma in Milan, you might need an official translation. The translator must swear the text is accurate in front of a court, which adds another stamp. Not all countries require this, so ask the place where you will use the diploma what they need. Keep the apostille attached to the original document; if they come apart, the whole thing becomes invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

High School Diploma apostille FAQ

Where do I get the High School Diploma apostille Milan?

The Prefettura (Prefecture) in Milan handles diploma apostilles for all administrative documents like school records. First, you must obtain a certified copy of your diploma from your high school's administrative office. Then bring that copy to the Prefettura with a valid ID and proof of payment for the official fee. A common mistake is going to the Procura della Repubblica instead - they only handle court papers and notary documents. You can submit your paperwork in person during regular business hours.

What papers will I need to bring with my diploma?

You must present the original diploma or a certified copy from your school, plus a valid ID like a passport or identity card. The Prefettura requires a completed application form that you can download from their website or get at the office. Some schools issue the diploma directly with the necessary authentication already attached - check with your school's registrar first. Many applicants forget they need to prove their current address with a utility bill or residence permit. Bring everything in duplicate since the office keeps one set for their files.

Can I mail in my diploma for the apostille stamp?

Yes, the Prefettura accepts postal applications if you cannot visit Milan in person. You must send your documents by registered mail with a return envelope prepaid for the same service. Include a signed letter explaining your request and a photocopy of your ID. The office will not process incomplete submissions, so double-check the checklist on their website first. This route takes longer than an in-person visit, so plan ahead for your deadline.

Do I need to get my diploma translated before the apostille?

No, you should not translate your diploma before getting the apostille stamp from the Prefettura. The apostille certifies the signature on the original Italian document, so it must be attached to the untranslated version. After receiving the apostille, you can have the entire document professionally translated. Some countries require the translation to be sworn before an Italian court - check with the embassy of the destination country. Keep the original apostilled diploma and the translation together as one packet.

How long is the apostille on my diploma valid?

The apostille itself does not expire once it is properly attached to your diploma by the Prefettura. However, some foreign authorities may have their own time limits for accepting educational documents, often within three to six months of issue. Check with the organization or institution where you will submit the papers about their specific rules. Many schools and employers in other countries prefer documents that are not older than six months. Always confirm the acceptance policy with the receiving office before starting the process.

How It Works

Four steps to your high school diploma apostille

No office visits. We handle your Milan high school diploma remotely with real-time tracking.

Prepare your document

Obtain the original document (or a certified copy) you need to use abroad, and check whether it must be notarised first.

Confirm the requirements

Verify the document is eligible for an apostille and is not exempt under EU rules for use inside the EU/EEA.

Submit to the Prefettura

The apostille is issued by the Prefettura, the competent authority. The government fee is €16 / document (tax stamp); some documents exempt.

Receive your apostille

The authority attaches the apostille certificate, making the document valid abroad with no further embassy legalisation.

Where to go

Where to get your apostille in Milan

Documents issued in Milan are apostilled at these offices. The apostille is the final certification — no embassy step is needed for Hague Convention countries. Bring the original (or a certified copy) and check current appointment rules.

Prefettura di Milano – Ufficio Legalizzazioni

Administrative & civil documents

Corso Monforte 31, 20122 Milano

Directions →

Procura della Repubblica presso il Tribunale di Milano

Judicial documents & notarial acts

Via Carlo Freguglia 1, 20122 Milano

Directions →

Document Types

Apostille a Milan high school diploma for...

These destinations are Hague Convention members outside the EU/EEA, so an apostille from Milan is all you need — no embassy step.

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Not an apostille route

Going somewhere an apostille doesn't cover?

An apostille doesn't apply here: non-Hague countries need full embassy (consular) legalization, and documents used inside the EU/EEA usually need no legalization at all.

United Arab Emirates

Embassy legalization instead

Afghanistan

Embassy legalization instead

Algeria

Embassy legalization instead

Angola

Embassy legalization instead

Austria

EU/EEA — usually no legalization

Belgium

EU/EEA — usually no legalization