Apostilled Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign bank
A foreign bank may request an apostilled Certificate of Good Standing to verify that a U.S. company exists. It helps, but it does not replace the bank's identity, ownership and signing-authority file.
What it proves—and what it does not
The certificate shows the entity's status in the issuing corporate registry. It does not prove solvency, account balance, payment of every tax, beneficial ownership or an individual's authority to open an account.
The bank controls the checklist
Request the exact name, maximum age and format in writing. Banks may also ask for Articles, EIN evidence, an incumbency certificate, banking resolution, director register, passports, address evidence and beneficial-owner declarations.
Order the official record
Florida calls it a Certificate of Status. A Sunbiz screen print is not the official certificate. If Articles are requested, order a separate certified copy; each record may require its own apostille.
Apostille in the formation state
The certificate follows the state that issued it. A Delaware LLC does not apostille its Good Standing in Florida merely because it operates from Miami. Also confirm whether the bank's country uses apostilles or a different legalization chain.
KYC and beneficial owners
Customer-due-diligence rules require financial institutions to identify and verify customers and, where applicable, beneficial owners. The apostille authenticates the certificate; it does not replace those controls.
Frequently asked questions
How recent must it be?
The bank decides. Many impose a maximum age, so ask before ordering.
Are Good Standing and Certificate of Status the same?
The concept is similar; the official name varies by state. Use the record the bank accepts.
Does one apostille cover the Articles too?
No. If both are requested, they are normally separate records with separate apostilles.
Official sources
Want to confirm the route for your documents?
Send us the document type, issuing state or agency and destination country. We review the document route before you incur unnecessary expense.
Informational content only. Integramerica is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Requirements and final acceptance depend on the receiving authority.