I gotta tell ya, it’s crazy out here. 

If you’ve been noticing a surge in apostille and embassy legalization requests, you’re not alone. Across the industry, agents are seeing a sharp increase in demand, and the reasons are both economic and personal.

Can I just say something? At my office in downtown Philadelphia, we’ve been processing more documents than ever, and our network of apostille agents & couriers is experiencing the same. Whether you’re working from home or meeting clients on the go, it’s clear apostille work isn’t just steady; it’s thriving.

What’s Driving the Increase?

I think several major factors are at play, all contributing to why your services as an apostille agent are more in demand than ever.

International Business Expansion
With shifting trade policies, including new tariffs and economic realignments, companies are expanding globally at a rapid pace. The U.S. has seen increased export restrictions and shifting agreements with Canada, Mexico, and China. These measures have prompted businesses to reevaluate their supply chains and explore new markets, necessitating increased documentation for international operations.

Dual Citizenship and Second Passports
More Americans are exploring dual citizenship, whether for family heritage, business mobility, or tax benefits. As I just learned on a recent trip to the Mediterranean, countries like Malta and Greece have seen record-high applications for citizenship-by-ancestry programs, and with each request comes the need for birth certificates, marriage licenses, and other legal documents to be properly apostilled.

International Adoptions and Surging Bureaucracy
While international adoption numbers have dropped significantly from their peak of 23,000 in 2004 to just over 1,500 in recent years, the complexity of the process has only increased. Some nations have tightened restrictions, while others, like China, have halted international adoptions altogether. As prospective parents shift focus to new regions, they face lengthy documentation requirements, all of which must be legalized before an adoption is approved. By the way, these appointments are some of the most rewarding experiences you can have in this line of work! 

Real Estate Investments Abroad
Buying property overseas isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore. With remote work allowing more professionals to consider long-term stays in other countries, foreign real estate transactions have surged. From Mexico to Portugal, buyers are acquiring homes and investment properties at increasing rates, and every deal requires properly authenticated financial and identity documents. Don't be surprised if I send my next newsletter from Italy (I miss it already).

Destination Weddings and International Marriages
There are over 200,000 destination weddings every year! Couples planning weddings abroad need apostilles for birth certificates and legal documents to ensure their marriage is recognized both locally and internationally. The same applies to U.S. citizens marrying foreign nationals, where documentation must be authenticated for visas, residency, and citizenship applications. This is why connecting to international wedding planners and travel agents makes so much sense for us! 

Intellectual Property and Patent Filings
International patent filings grew by 2.7% last year, totaling 3.6 million applications. With businesses expanding across borders, protecting intellectual property requires extensive documentation, all of which must be legalized for validity in different jurisdictions. Innovation isn’t slowing down, and neither is the need for proper documentation to keep up. Pay special attention to pharmaceutical companies…

What This Means for Apostille Agents

More demand means more opportunity, but it also means staying ahead of changes in legislation, trade agreements, and evolving global needs. You have to pay attention.

The Hague Apostille Convention continues to expand, making the process easier in some cases, but there are still plenty of countries that require full embassy legalization. Understanding these nuances will set you apart from others in the industry.

For those looking to grow their business, now is the time to refine your systems, educate your clients, and market your expertise. Whether you operate from a physical location like mine or work remotely, the need for apostille and legalization services isn’t slowing down.

Make sure your Google Business Profile, website, and directory profiles all reflect your apostille services with proper keywords and phrases. And, don’t forget to reach out to your prospects too! There’s no reason to just sit back and wait for the phone to ring. 55 million apostilles are being processed every year. They need you! Reach out! 

If you’re already feeling the increased demand, take this as confirmation that you’re in the right business. And if you’re just getting started, you couldn’t have picked a better time.

I train apostille agents every day. In fact, in partnership with Bill Soroka over at Notary Coach, I offer the most comprehensive training and certification program in the country. But more than that, I stay with you the whole time! 

I will help you with your business set up. I will help you with your first client call. I will help you with any new client in the future with my “New Client Now” program. 

It’s all included in the World of Apostilles Certification Course and Support Network. 

Explore the course here

There’s literally no better time than now to become a certified apostille agent.