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Need to legalize documents, or what is an apostille

Author: Etalon translation agency

Published:

Updated: 2023-10-13

Contents

Anyone who faces the need to use Ukrainian documents abroad sooner or later hears about the procedure called apostille. This is a form of legalization that makes documents officially recognized in other countries participating in the Hague Convention. You can always entrust this process to the team at Etalon Translation Agency - we will not only explain what an apostille looks like but also take care of the entire process, acting with the utmost efficiency and coordination.

Who Issues Apostilles in Ukraine?

In Ukraine, the apostille is issued by the relevant government bodies. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for apostilling official and notarial documents, such as court decisions or powers of attorney.

The Ministry of Education handles apostilling educational documents, such as diplomas and certificates.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostilles documents related to foreign activities, including birth and marriage certificates. Understanding which documents require an apostille helps avoid unnecessary hassle by submitting the necessary papers to the appropriate institutions in a timely manner, and our team is always ready to assist.

Which Documents Require Apostille?

  • Birth and marriage certificates. They verify personal details and marital status needed for international procedures.
  • Diplomas, certificates, and other educational documents. Necessary for confirming qualifications and educational level abroad.
  • Court decisions and notarial documents. Used for representing interests in foreign courts and other jurisdictions.
  • Business registration documents. Required for conducting business activities abroad.
  • Medical certificates and health records. Often requested for studies, work, or medical treatment abroad.
  • Police clearance certificates. Mandatory for visa processing and necessary for employment or residence in another country.

How is the Process Carried Out and How Long Does it Take?

The process begins with receiving the documents, thoroughly checking them, and submitting them to the relevant state authority. It is important to understand what an apostille looks like in Ukraine - it is a special stamp affixed to the document or a separate sheet, confirming its authenticity and allowing its use abroad.

Our team maintains constant communication with the representatives of the authorized bodies, ensuring rapid apostille processing regardless of the complexity and specifics of the task.

As for the timeframe, it is worth noting that the procedure usually takes just a few hours. In particularly complex or non-standard situations, it may require 1-2 days, of which we always notify the partner in advance.

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FAQ

What services does your company provide?

The translation agency "Etalon" has been operating in the Ukrainian market since 2008, providing professional written and oral translation services.

How to order a service?

To order a service, you can contact us by phone or email listed on our website.

What is the cost of services?

The cost of our services depends on the volume and complexity of the work. For detailed information, please contact us.

Do you provide urgent translation services?

Yes, we provide urgent translation services. For additional information, please contact us.

What documents are needed for translation?

For translation, you need to provide the original or copies of the documents. For more detailed information, please contact us.

How long does the translation take?

The time required for translation depends on the volume and complexity of the text. It usually takes from a few hours to several days.

Do you translate specialized texts?

Yes, we translate specialized texts, including legal, technical, medical, and other documents.

Do you provide notarized translation services?

Yes, we provide notarized translation services. For additional information, please contact us.

When are you open?

All three offices — Kharkiv, Kyiv and Bratislava — are open Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00. Each keeps its own local time, and Bratislava (Central European time) is an hour behind the two Ukrainian offices, so allow for that difference if you're calling from abroad.

Do I need to come to the office?

You don't need to visit us in person. Send scans of your documents by e-mail and we'll quote the price and turnaround; some services need the original, which then travels by courier or post instead of you. We return the finished document the same way — by post, or as a signed electronic file where the receiving authority accepts it.

Can I get the translation the same day?

It depends on which office handles your order. In Kharkiv and Kyiv a standard document can often be ready the same day if you send the scan early and choose the express option, which may cost extra — we confirm this when we quote. In Slovakia the timings are different: a sworn translation of a standard document usually takes up to 2–3 working days, express by arrangement, and what you receive the same day there is the quote rather than the finished translation. Larger or more complex jobs, and services that involve a state authority, take longer in either country.