An apostille is essentially a certification that verifies the authenticity of a document issued in one country for use in another country that’s part of the Hague Convention. The Hague Convention is an international treaty that simplifies the process for getting documents recognized abroad.
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Translation agencies typically don’t issue apostilles themselves, but they can help you with the process in a couple of ways:
- Translation: In many cases, your document will need to be translated into the language of the country where it will be used. A translation agency can provide a certified translation, which is a translation done by a professional translator and verified for accuracy.
- Understanding Requirements: The process for getting an apostille can vary depending on the type of document and the issuing country. A translation agency can help you understand the specific requirements for your situation and may even be able to assist you with the application process.
If you make your translations at our office, we will help you to arrange the apostille with a notary in Latvia.
Apostille in the EU
Apostilles are generally not required within the European Union (EU) anymore. This is because a regulation came into effect in February 2019 that simplifies the process for using public documents issued in one EU country in another EU country.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Before February 2019: Public documents often required apostilles (a certificate verifying authenticity) for use in another EU country.
- After February 2019: Public documents issued by an EU country are generally accepted as authentic in other EU countries without needing an apostille.
There are a few exceptions, but for common documents like birth certificates or marriage certificates, an apostille shouldn’t be necessary.
Apostille in Sweden
In Sweden, getting an apostille involves Notaries Public. Here’s a rundown of the process:
- Authority: Since 2005, only Notaries Public in Sweden have the power to issue apostilles.
- Finding a Notary: Notaries Public are appointed by the County Administrative Boards (Länsstyrelsen). There’s no central registry, but a list is published annually in the “Sveriges Statskalender” which you can order.
- Requirements: The document usually needs the issuing authority’s stamp, the signatory’s details (signature and printed name, position), and potentially a translation into the target country’s language.
Recommendation:
- It’s always best to confirm apostille requirements with the embassy or consulate of the specific country where you intend to use the Swedish document. They can provide the most up-to-date information.
Apostille in Latvia
Legalisation of public documents issued in Latvia with an apostille is carried out by notaries throughout Latvia. Thus, people who need to submit a Latvian document to an institution in a foreign country no longer must go to Riga to have it certified with an apostille. This service is now available at any notary’s office in 30 cities. In addition, documents issued electronically can also be apostilled remotely at notaries.
What does it mean to certify with an apostille?
For documents in another country to have the same legal effect as in the country of origin of the documents, you need confirmation that the official who signed the document exists in the country of origin of the documents and that the signature and stamp on the document are genuine. Only then can public documents drawn up in one country be used in another.
It is important that a document certified with an apostille in one of the Hague Convention countries is recognised in the other member countries.
Which documents can be apostilled?
Working or studying abroad, moving to another country, marrying or divorcing a foreigner, inheriting property or opening a bank account in another country – these and many other situations require documents issued by authorities in your country to be certified by your state.
These include school and university diplomas, birth certificates, certificates of non-conviction, marriage certificates, certificates that a person is free of tuberculosis, etc., as well as a power of attorney for use in another country. These are all called public documents.
IMPORTANT! Before travelling to any foreign country where you will have to submit a document, it is advisable to check in advance whether it needs to be certified with an apostille.
TAKE INTO ACCOUNT! A notary may only apostille documents issued in the country of origin of the documents.
What is the apostille process?
You must go to the notary with the original document to be apostilled and your passport or ID card. As a rule, the apostille is issued within one working day if the specimen signature database contains a specimen of the signature and stamp of the official who issued the document.
Apostilles are made only electronically. By entering the apostille number, it can be found and checked in the E-apostille register: https://notary.lv/apostille/verify/
The notary will not only draw up the apostille but will also collect and transfer to the State budget the State fee for certifying the document, which is EUR 25.34 including value added tax.
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