What is an Apostille? Purpose and Features - De-Lis Blog

Home Page Apostille What is an apostille for documents and how to affix it?

An apostille is a special form of document legalization that ensures their recognition and validity abroad. This term, derived from the French word "apostille," means "certification" or "confirmation." It finds its application in the context of international law, regulating the procedures for document legalization for use in different countries. An apostille serves as a kind of seal or stamp that certifies the legality and authenticity of the accompanying document.

When we mention an apostille, we mean not just a stamp or signature on the document, but also the recognition of its validity abroad. An apostille on documents acts as a kind of stamp that guarantees its acceptance in another country without the need for additional legalization. This ensures mutual understanding and eliminates doubts regarding the legal validity of documents in international relations.

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Why is an apostille needed:

An apostille in Ukraine is an important procedure that ensures the recognition of documents abroad. The main purpose is to confirm the legality and authenticity of documents in the country of their destination. Thanks to this, documents can be used smoothly in another country without the need for additional legalization.

In addition, there are different types of apostilles, including:

Regular apostille
Double (or international) apostille
Special apostille

It's also worth mentioning the double apostille, which becomes necessary in cases where a document needs to be used in a country that is not a party to the Hague Convention of 1961. In such cases, a document with an apostille may require double apostillization, i.e., additional legalization in the respective diplomatic or consular offices.

A special apostille may be required in cases where a document has a special status or character and requires additional confirmations or information. This can be applied to various types of documents, such as medical certificates, contracts, academic recommendations, or documents with special legal consequences.

Determining the necessary documents

The first step is to identify the documents that need to be apostilled for use abroad. These can be various types of documents such as birth certificates, extracts from the civil registry, diplomas, work certificates, etc.

Applying to competent authorities

After determining the necessary documents, the applicant must apply to the competent authorities authorized to provide apostilles. In Ukraine, this authority is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its territorial departments.

Preparing documents

Before submitting the documents for apostille, it is necessary to ensure that they meet the requirements and have all the necessary signatures and seals.

Obtaining apostilles

After submitting the documents to the competent authority, the apostilization process involves issuing a special stamp or signature on the documents confirming their legality for use abroad.

Which documents can be apostilled

Almost any document issued by competent authorities and having legal force according to the legislation of the country can be apostilled. These include documents in the field of education, medicine, judicial documents, property documents, contracts, and others.

Diplomas and educational certificates: this category includes all types of documents confirming a person's educational level and success in the educational process. This may include an apostille on a certificate, diplomas from secondary, vocational, higher, and postgraduate educational institutions. In addition to the main documents, this category also includes attachments to diplomas containing information about specializations, courses, research papers, publications, and other academic achievements during the study.
Apostille on civil status documents: this list includes an apostille on birth, marriage, divorce certificates, as well as documents about changing surnames or names. These documents are of great importance in terms of confirming personal data and civil status of a person before the law and the state. They are used in various spheres of life, from getting married and having children to inheritance and other legal procedures.
Work certificates: this category includes various documents confirming a person's work experience and professional achievements. These may include certificates of employment, employment records, often for some jobs an apostille is required on a certificate of no criminal record, recommendations from previous employers, and other documents reflecting work experience, acquired skills, and duties performed. These documents are used when searching for a new job, obtaining loans, visas, and in other situations where confirmation of work experience and skills is required.
Medical documents: this category includes an apostille on medical documents related to a person's health status and medical history. These include medical records, certificates of completed treatments, results of medical examinations and analyses, doctors conclusions, prescriptions, and other documents reflecting the medical condition and medical procedures undergone by the person.

Where can you get an apostille?

The process of apostilling documents can take different amounts of time depending on the specific circumstances and the requirements of the country to which these documents will be presented. Typically, the processing times for documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its territorial offices vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the workload and the specifics of the process.

Our bureau understands the importance of quick and effective resolution of issues regarding document apostillation for our clients. We strive to provide the best service and do everything possible to adhere to the established deadlines.

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What is an apostille for documents and how to affix it?