What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a simplified form of document legalization that applies to member states that have ratified the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. Armenia has been a member state of the Hague Convention since 1993.
In many countries, an Apostille is a special stamp. In Armenia, it is a special paper with the inscription APOSTILLE (CONVENTION DE LA HAYE DU 5 OCTOBRE 1961), which is attached with staples to the original or a notarized copy of the document and sealed with the stamp of the Ministry of Justice.
Previously, the Apostille in Armenia was issued in two languages: Armenian and English. Since July 22, 2017, it has been issued only in English. In Russian, it is correct to say “Apostille” (but not “Apostil” or “Apostile”) and “Hague Convention on the Apostille” of October 5, 1961.
And although the official website of the Ministry of Justice of Armenia says “International legalization of documents (apostille)” – this is a mistake. Since Apostille and legalization are somewhat different processes. Read about the “Document Legalization” procedure here – >>>
What types of Apostilles are there?
This paragraph will be very useful for Armenian government officials.
There are three types of Apostilles:
1. A paper with the inscription APOSTILLE of the standard established by the Hague Convention. This paper is attached to the document or fastened with staples to the document itself and confirmed by a seal and the signature of the responsible person. This type of Apostille is also used in Armenia.
2. A seal or stamp APOSTILLE with a wet impression. This type of Apostille is used in most CIS countries.
3. An electronic Apostille. This Apostille generates a lot of unnecessary doubts and questions. The fact is that the practice of stamping documents with an Apostille did not justify itself. There were too many forgeries. Therefore, some countries decided to introduce an electronic register of Apostilles. For example, in the Republic of Moldova, on the website of the Ministry of Justice of Moldova, you can check the authenticity of an Apostille and see its scanned copy.
This form of Apostille will soon spread worldwide, as it ensures transparency and legality of the procedure and allows for quick identification of both the Apostille and the document.
This Apostille was placed on a Birth Certificate
of the new standard from Armenia in 2019
What is an Apostille for?
An Apostille confirms the authenticity of the signature of the official or employee who signed the document. The Apostille does not confirm the content of the document in any way. The official whose signature is certified by the Apostille is responsible for the content of the document. In turn, the Apostille is signed by another official. The Apostille also confirms the authenticity of the seal on the document.
Before the Apostille Convention, documents had to undergo a complex legalization procedure. This procedure remains for documents from countries that are not members of the Apostille Convention.
What documents can receive an Apostille?
The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia applies an Apostille to the following documents:
1. documents or copies of documents, on language translations – certified by a notary, on certificates and statements issued by a notary (the law “On Notaries”),
2. on birth, death, marriage certificates issued by the Civil Registry Offices of Armenia,
3. on documents issued by the judicial enforcement service,
4. documents issued by judicial instances (court decision, copy of a court decision, and other documents),
5. documents from other bodies and organizations, if the authenticity of the signature on them is certified by a notary.
For which countries is an Apostille used (needed)?
You can find the full current list of countries that are members of the Apostille Convention at this link>>
However, keep in mind that if countries have signed the Apostille Convention, it does not mean that an Apostille is applied in every case. There are also countries that are members of the Apostille but have signed additional bilateral agreements on simplifying the recognition of certain documents.
If countries that have signed the Apostille Convention have signed an Agreement on a simplified procedure for document recognition among themselves, then the requirement for an Apostille in one of these countries is unlawful. Although officials of these countries sometimes require an Apostille.
There are also exceptions when a country does not recognize the Apostille of another country. For example, according to Wikipedia materials, the Armenian Apostille is not recognized in Kosovo. Conversely, the Kosovo Apostille is not recognized in Armenia.
An Apostille is not placed on documents intended for submission in CIS countries. Regardless of which body, its subdivision, which department or ministry it is. And also regardless of which region, oblast, city, or district it is.
CIS countries signed the Minsk Convention “On Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil, Family and Criminal Matters” of January 22, 1993.
The Republic of Armenia has agreements on document recognition with countries: Bulgaria, Lithuania, and a number of other countries provided for by international treaties of the Republic of Armenia.
If a state is not a member of the Hague Convention and no relevant interstate agreement has been signed, then consular legalization of documents is performed.
Where can you get (obtain) an Apostille?
You can get (obtain) an Apostille on documents at the Civil Status Registration Agency of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia.
If you are unable or unwilling to apply to the Ministry of Justice of Armenia yourself, you can contact our company.
Our company offers services for Apostille (recognition) of documents of the new approved standard in Armenia.
What documents are needed for an Apostille?
For an Apostille at the Ministry, the following is required:
1. application, full name, place of residence, phone number, name of the documents submitted for Apostille;
2. the document itself;
3. photocopy or copy of the document provided for Apostille;
4. receipt of payment of the state duty.
Apostille processing time
Under the standard timeframe, the Apostille is placed within two working days from the
This post is also available in ru_RU.