Apostillization of documents
Apostillization of documents
Official documents issued in one country do not become effective in the territory of another country until they receive an apostille. This is a special stamp that certifies that the document was issued by an authorized body on lawful grounds and that its translation into a foreign language is correct and accurate.
The apostille performs the same function as legalization, but, unlike this procedure, it:
- is suitable for use not only in one target country but immediately in several (if the language of translation is suitable), for example, in the countries that signed The Hague Convention of 1961;
- is simpler in terms of the procedure — the apostille does not require certification at the consulate of the target country.
How apostille is made
What documents are subject to apostille
The meaning of an apostille and legalization is identical. Both procedures differ only in content and consequences but are intended for the same documents:
- educational certificates (diplomas, attestations);
- powers of attorney, wills;
- certificates of civil status (marriage, death, divorce, birth, family relations);
- court and investigative decisions;
- extracts from the registries of owners, entrepreneurs, and legal entities;
- licenses, certificates;
- certificates of no criminal record;
- notarial contracts, etc.
As a rule (except for a limited number of countries), apostillization is not required for ID cards with the holder’s photo, weapon permits, bank, accounting, customs, tax certificates, and some other documents.
A document with an apostille becomes effective in one or several countries participating in The Hague Convention. For example, a diploma translated into Spanish will be valid at least in Spain and Mexico. At the same time, a certificate legalized in Spanish will only be valid in one of these countries — depending on which consulate certified it.
A Ukrainian citizen abroad (as well as a foreigner in Ukraine) can only confirm important facts by apostilling documents issued in their home country. For example, obtaining a job or residence permit, entering into a commercial agreement, or presenting evidence in court is only permitted if the relevant title documents are apostilled or legalized. For example, the foreign migration service will not grant consent to family reunification to spouses if there is no apostille on the marriage certificate, a child will not be able to move abroad without written permission from their father or mother, and a partner will not be able to enter into a business agreement unless they have an extract from the register of legal entities. In other words, if you want to exercise your rights and interests abroad or enter into official relations with a foreign entity, you need to have your documents apostilled. Our company can provide such a stamp.
How we work
The apostillization procedure we offer is devoid of bureaucratic components. The client just needs to submit the documents to be certified and pick up the result within a certain period of time. There will be no complicated questionnaires, queues, or unnecessary time spent visiting ministries and learning the procedure. Our specialists will complete the work as soon as possible with a guarantee of results. Also, our experts will inform the client whether the document is subject to apostillization at all or whether it will be valid abroad in its original form.
from a lawyer
