Consular Legalization of Documents in Armenia: A Complete Guide
Consular legalization is the process of confirming the authenticity of official documents for their use in countries that do not recognize the Apostille. This process is necessary for the legal recognition of documents abroad, including diplomas, certificates, transcripts, powers of attorney, and commercial papers.
The company Business Liga provides services for the consular legalization of documents in Armenia, helping clients prepare documents for foreign states quickly and without unnecessary complications.
What is Consular Legalization?
Consular legalization is a multi-stage process of document certification that confirms their authenticity and legal validity in the destination country.
💡 Important!
This process is only required for countries not party to the 1961 Hague Convention, which simplifies document recognition with an Apostille.
When is Consular Legalization Required?
✔ Employment abroad – if submitting a diploma or a certificate of no criminal record is required
✔ Admission to foreign educational institutions – when presenting transcripts and diplomas
✔ Business registration abroad – legalization of founding documents
✔ Visa and immigration procedures – confirmation of civil status, certificates, and transcripts
✔ Marriage and other personal matters – legalization of birth, marriage, divorce certificates, etc.
Stages of Consular Legalization in Armenia
1. Notarization (if necessary)
Some documents require translation and notarization before legalization (e.g., diplomas, certificates).
2. Legalization at the Ministry of Justice of Armenia
The Ministry of Justice confirms the authenticity of the document and the signature on it.
3. Legalization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia
The MFA of Armenia certifies the signature and seal of the Ministry of Justice, confirming that the document was officially issued in the country.
4. Legalization at the Consulate of the Destination Country
The final stage is the certification of the document at the embassy or consulate of the country where it will be used.
💡 Additionally: In some countries, final registration of the document at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the destination country may be required.
List of Countries Requiring Consular Legalization of Armenian Documents
Consular legalization is mandatory for documents intended for the following countries (as they do not recognize the Apostille):
📌 UAE (United Arab Emirates)
📌 Kuwait
📌 Qatar
📌 Saudi Arabia
📌 Egypt
📌 Indonesia
📌 Thailand
📌 Vietnam
📌 Lebanon
📌 Algeria
📌 Jordan
📌 Syria
📌 Iran
📌 Pakistan
📌 Bangladesh
📌 Libya
📌 Tunisia
📌 Iraq
💡 If a country is not on this list, an Apostille might be sufficient, which simplifies the document recognition process.
Timing and Cost of Consular Legalization
⏳ Timing:
✔ Ministries of Armenia – from 3 to 10 business days
✔ Consulate of the destination country – from 5 to 15 business days (depending on the country)
💰 Cost depends on:
✔ Government fees
✔ Notary and translation services
✔ Urgency of execution
The company Business Liga offers expedited legalization services to minimize waiting times.
Consular Legalization of Documents in Armenia and the Belarusian Agreement
Consular legalization is a procedure for confirming the authenticity of official documents for their use abroad. However, if an international agreement is in force between countries, legalization may not be required.
🔹 Important! CIS countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, and others, signed the Minsk Convention (1993) and the Chisinau Convention (2002), which exempt documents from the need for consular legalization.
The company Business Liga provides services for consular legalization and clarification on whether it is required in your case.
Belarusian Agreement and Countries Exempt from Consular Legalization
According to the Minsk Convention of 1993 and the Chisinau Convention of 2002, documents issued in one of the signatory countries are accepted without legalization and an Apostille in other participating countries.
📌 Countries that recognize documents without consular legalization (only translation may be required):
✔ Armenia
✔ Belarus
✔ Russia
✔ Kazakhstan
✔ Kyrgyzstan
✔ Tajikistan
✔ Turkmenistan
✔ Uzbekistan
✔ Moldova
✔ Azerbaijan
✔ Georgia (until 2010, clarification required)
💡 What does this mean?
If your document is intended for one of these countries, it does not need to be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate.
How Do We Help?
📌 Consultation – we clarify which type of legalization is required for your country
📌 Translation and notarization – if necessary
📌 Full support in Ministries and consulates
📌 Shipping documents abroad – if required
📞 Contact us, and we will help you go through the process of consular legalization of documents quickly and without stress!
This post is also available in ru_RU.