CORPORATE DOCUMENTS & CERTIFICATES
Certificates and Certified Documents for Your Saint Lucia IBC
The documents banks and authorities ask for. Banks, business partners and foreign authorities usually want official proof about your company. ACS obtains and prepares the certificates and certified documents they request, and arranges for them to be accepted abroad.
You’ll see your complete fee schedule before you pay.
Five documents, one place
Good Standing, Incumbency, certified copies, apostille or legalization, and notarization.
Ready for use abroad
Apostille or legalization for documents presented outside Saint Lucia.
Not sure which one?
Our quick guide matches what you’ve been asked for to the right document.
Open to non-ACS clients
Good Standing, apostille or legalization and notarization are available to any company.
QUICK GUIDE
Which Document Do I Need?
Find what you’ve been asked to prove, then select the document to see what it is and how to order it.
| You’ve been asked for proof that… | You need |
|---|---|
| the company exists and is up to date with its annual fees and filings | Certificate of Good Standing |
| shows who the directors, shareholders and officers are | Certificate of Incumbency |
| copies of company documents are true copies of the originals | Certified Corporate Documents |
| a Saint Lucia document is valid in another country | Apostille / Legalization |
| a signature was witnessed or a document certified by a notary | Notarization Coordination |
Tip: these documents are not interchangeable. Before you order, check the exact wording of what the bank or authority has asked for. If you're unsure, send it to us.
ASK A QUESTIONCERTIFICATE
Certificate of Good Standing
What it is
An official certificate from the Saint Lucia company registry confirming that the company legally exists and is up to date with its annual fees and filings.
When you need it
Banks, business partners, investors and foreign authorities often ask for one, especially when opening an account, signing a contract or registering the company elsewhere. Most recipients want a recently issued certificate, so order it when you need it.
What we'll ask you for
- Company name and registration number
- Who the certificate is for
- Whether it must be apostilled or legalized for use abroad
Who can order this
Existing ACS registered-agent clients and non-ACS clients. Included in Executive, Global and Counsel where appropriate.
REQUEST GOOD STANDINGCERTIFICATE
Certificate of Incumbency
What it is
A certificate issued by ACS, as registered agent, confirming the company's current directors, shareholders, officers and registered office based on the company's records.
When you need it
Banks and counterparties use it to confirm who owns and controls the company and who is authorized to act for it, for example when opening an account or completing a transaction.
What we'll ask you for
- The information to show on the certificate
- Number of copies and any special instructions
Who can order this
Existing ACS registered-agent clients only. Included in Executive, Global and Counsel where appropriate.
REQUEST INCUMBENCYKnow which document you need?
Request it now through the client portal.
CERTIFIED COPIES
Certified Corporate Documents
What it is
Copies of the company's key documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles, and registers of directors and shareholders, certified as true copies of the originals.
When you need it
Banks, regulators and business partners usually won't accept plain photocopies. Certified copies are needed for account opening, due diligence and filings in other countries.
What we'll ask you for
- Which documents you need and how many copies of each
- Any special certification or delivery requirements
Who can order this
Existing ACS registered-agent clients only. A certified set is included in Executive, Global and Counsel.
REQUEST CERTIFIED COPIESFOR USE ABROAD
Apostille / Legalization
What it is
Authenticating a Saint Lucia document so it is accepted in another country. An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Legalization through an embassy or consulate is used for countries that are not.
When you need it
When a company document, certificate or certified copy will be presented to a bank, court or authority outside Saint Lucia.
What we'll ask you for
- The documents to be apostilled or legalized
- The country where they will be used
- Number of copies, and whether you hold the originals
Who can order this
Existing ACS registered-agent clients and non-ACS clients. Included in Global and Counsel.
REQUEST APOSTILLE / LEGALIZATIONNOTARY SERVICES
Notarization Coordination
What it is
ACS arranges for a notary public to witness signatures or certify documents. ACS coordinates the appointment and paperwork, and the notary performs the notarization.
When you need it
When a bank, authority or foreign recipient requires a signature or document to be notarized.
What we'll ask you for
- The documents requiring notarization
- Name and location of the person signing, if applicable
Who can order this
Existing ACS registered-agent clients and non-ACS clients. Included in Global and Counsel.
REQUEST NOTARIZATIONHOW IT WORKS
From Request to Delivered Documents
- Select Corporate Documents & Certificates and the documents you need.
- Log in or register to open your secure ACS client portal.
- Complete the ACS Onboarding/KYC Application with company, director, shareholder and beneficial owner information, and upload your documents.
- Review your fees. Your complete fee schedule will be displayed before you submit your application and make payment.
- Submit and pay. Payment is made when you submit your application, before ACS’s compliance review.
- Compliance review. ACS completes the required KYC/AML review and decides whether the engagement can be accepted.
- Engagement. If accepted, the engagement documents are completed.
- Processing. ACS obtains or prepares your documents, coordinates any apostille, legalization or notarization, and delivers them to you.
You’ll see your complete fee schedule before you pay.
QUESTIONS
Document Questions
What is the difference between a Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Incumbency?
A Certificate of Good Standing comes from the company registry and confirms the company exists and is up to date with its fees and filings. A Certificate of Incumbency is issued by ACS as registered agent and confirms who the directors, shareholders and officers are.
Is an apostille the same as notarization?
No. Notarization is a notary witnessing a signature or certifying a document. An apostille or legalization authenticates a Saint Lucia document so another country accepts it. The receiving institution should tell you which it needs.
Can I order documents if ACS is not my registered agent?
Yes, for a Certificate of Good Standing, apostille or legalization, and notarization coordination. Other documents are available to companies with ACS as registered agent.
How recent does a Certificate of Good Standing need to be?
Most recipients want a recently issued certificate, so we recommend ordering it when you need it rather than keeping one on file.
Accounting & Tax Assistance
ACS can connect clients with qualified accounting professionals for bookkeeping, financial statements, tax preparation, audit services and related accounting requirements.
These services are provided independently by the accounting professionals and are subject to their respective terms and fees.
INQUIRE ABOUT ACCOUNTING & TAX ASSISTANCEBEFORE YOU REQUEST
What to Expect
You see your complete fee schedule and pay when you submit your application. ACS's compliance review takes place after payment. Submitting and paying does not by itself create a client engagement: work begins once ACS accepts the request and the engagement documents are in place.
ACS does not guarantee that a registry, government authority, bank or other third party will accept, approve or complete a request. Those decisions are theirs.
If a request is declined, refunds are handled under ACS's refund policy.
ACS provides legal letters, legal opinions and related legal services directly.
Order Your Documents
Log in or register, choose your package or service, and complete your application in the secure client portal. Not sure what you need? Ask us first.