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In Ukraine, since 1 January 2023 the apostille on a criminal-record certificate (витяг про несудимість) is affixed exclusively by the MVS (Ministry of Internal Affairs) — and only on the PAPER version of the extract. The electronic extract issued by the MVS online or via the Diia app cannot be apostilled: an apostille requires a paper copy with a wet seal. The MVS state fee for the apostille is about 51 UAH for an individual, and we obtain the paper extract and the apostille for you remotely across all of Ukraine.
Why the electronic extract (and Diia) won't work for an apostille
The Diia app and the MVS portal issue the criminal-record extract as an electronic document with a QR code — convenient for use inside Ukraine, but it cannot be apostilled. An apostille is a stamp that certifies the authenticity of the signature and seal on a PAPER original, so for legalisation abroad you need to order the paper extract bearing the signature and seal of the authorised MVS body. If you already have the electronic version, it must be duplicated on paper — and it is that paper copy the MVS will apostille.
Step by step: from the paper extract to the MVS apostille
First, the paper criminal-record extract is ordered from the authorised MVS body (using your passport and tax number — in person or by notarised power of attorney). Then this paper extract is submitted to the MVS for the apostille: the state fee is about 51 UAH for an individual (85 UAH for a legal entity), and the apostille is affixed to the original document. After apostilling, if the document is intended for a specific country, the translation into the destination language is done and, where required, notarised or rendered by a sworn translator in the country of submission — we will advise the exact set for your purpose.
Validity, the urgent option and costs
A criminal-record extract has a limited validity: usually about 3 months for use inside Ukraine and around 6 months for many EU countries — verify the exact period against the destination country's requirements, because the apostille does not "extend" the document. It is therefore wise to order the certificate close to the time of submission. If timelines are tight, an urgent option for the paper extract and apostille is available; the MVS state fee (~51 UAH) is paid separately, and the bureau's service fee starts from 950 UAH depending on urgency and the set of documents.
Order the apostille on a criminal-record certificate from Etalon — we'll obtain the paper extract and affix the MVS apostille remotely across Ukraine.
Frequently asked questions
Can the electronic criminal-record extract from Diia be apostilled?
No. The electronic extract (including one obtained via Diia) cannot be apostilled — the apostille is placed only on the paper extract bearing the MVS signature and seal. Diia can issue the certificate, but the apostille requires a paper copy.
Which authority apostilles the criminal-record certificate?
The apostille on a criminal-record certificate is affixed by the MVS — since 1 January 2023 this competence belongs specifically to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The state fee is about 51 UAH for an individual. (For comparison: the Ministry of Justice apostilles notarial and court documents and civil-registry acts, while the Ministry of Education handles educational documents.)
How long is an apostilled criminal-record certificate valid?
Usually about 3 months for Ukraine and around 6 months for many EU countries, but the exact term is set by the destination country — the apostille does not extend the document's validity. So order the certificate close to the time of submission and check the receiving party's requirements.
The essentials of apostilling a criminal-record certificate in 2026: the authority is the MVS (since 2023), the fee is about 51 UAH, and only the PAPER extract is apostilled — not the electronic one from Diia. Because the document has a short validity, plan its issuance around your submission date. Etalon will help you obtain the paper extract, affix the apostille and, if needed, prepare the translation — remotely across Ukraine; the exact set of documents and timelines depend on the destination country.
