Apostille: Frequently Asked Questions

How to get an apostille if you are abroad?

You can order an apostille for documents while being abroad through our agency. In most cases, it’s enough to send us the original documents that need to be apostilled. We will affix the apostilles and send them back to you.

Is it possible to get an apostille without being present?

You can get an apostille on documents without your presence through our agency. You need to send us the original documents for the apostille. We will check them for the possibility of apostillization (you can first send a photo or scan for checking), then affix the apostilles on them and send them back to you.

Is an apostille and a notary stamp the same thing?

An apostille and a notary stamp are different. The apostille stamp is affixed according to the Apostille Convention and is also regulated by additional local legislative acts. The notary’s stamp and signature (authority) are regulated by local legislation. Moreover, the notary does not certify documents issued by the state. He only certifies documents (notarial contracts, powers of attorney, declarations) within his competence. And only in a few countries does a notary place an apostille – as an additional stamp with registration in a special apostille register of the country.

Is it possible to get an apostille from a notary?

In Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Belarus, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and many other countries, it’s not possible to get an apostille from a notary.

However, there are exceptions, countries where notaries are authorized to affix apostilles, for example, Estonia.

In most cases, the notary’s stamp and signature must also be apostilled by the relevant state authorities.

Is it necessary to have an apostille certified by a notary?

It is not necessary to have an apostille certified by a notary. But if in your country a notary makes an apostille, then you need to take the document to the notary for an apostille.

Is it possible to get an apostille in one day?

An apostille can be obtained in one day in most countries of the world, including all CIS countries, except for Moldova (minimum term – three days). And in Belarus, for example, despite the fact that the apostille is placed in a day, the queues are so long that the procedure can be delayed for up to six months.

In some countries, such a procedure is even possible within an hour.

It all depends on the cost of such services.

Where to get an apostille quickly?

Usually, people need to get an apostille urgently. An urgent apostille is possible in many countries. Usually, apostilles with the same terms are placed in all departments (responsible for this). But difficulties arise due to distances and time spent on the procedure.

The main recommendation to get it done quickly and then not waste time due to mistakes made in documents or during the apostille procedure is to contact professional agencies. Our lawyers will help with apostillization in any country in the world.

What documents are needed for an apostille?

Typically, the applicant’s passport and the documents that need to be apostilled are required. Note that not all documents can be apostilled. Only those specified in the country’s legislative act about the apostille, not laminated, not issued by consulates, not of an old model.

Why might an apostille not be placed?

It all depends on the document. If it is of a new model and issued, certified in the appropriate order, then an apostille will be placed.

An apostille will not be placed on old documents issued before the country joined the apostille. Documents on which seals and signatures are not visible (or are absent). Documents with corrections. Documents with additional signatures and seals.

There are cases when some documents are apostilled within a country, but the country where you provide them has its own requirements for documents. And even an apostilled document that does not meet the requirements of that country will not be accepted.

It’s better to turn to professionals to not waste time, opportunities, and money.

How long does it take to place an apostille?

In many countries, the usual terms are from one day to two weeks.

There are countries where an apostille can be placed in an hour.

How long is an apostille valid?

The validity period of an apostille is not limited. Only the document’s form and requirements for the document may change. Outdated documents will need to be replaced and apostilled again. There may also be requirements for the document’s validity period. For example, the validity period of a police clearance

certificate varies from 3 months to 6 months in many countries.

Can a document be translated without an apostille?

You can translate a document without an apostille only if this document or translation will be presented in a country that has signed an agreement on a simplified procedure with your country (the country of origin of the documents). Or if this translation and document are obtained in your country and will be used there.

What to do first, apostille or translation?

By all rules, first, the document is made, then the apostille on it, then the translation, and then the apostille on the translation. However, there are countries, for example, Moldova, which allow giving a translated document for an apostille.

However, we strongly recommend following the rule – first the apostille on the document, then the translation and the apostille on the translation. This eliminates many questions about the legitimacy of documents abroad.

What language should an apostille be in?

The apostille placed on your documents is usually in the state language and in English. But there are exceptions, for example, Belarus – only in Belarusian.

In any case, if you translate the document into a language that is not in the apostille, then the apostille must also be translated. And in most countries, a second apostille will be required – on the translation.