Apostille
Imagine you have an official document from your country (like a birth certificate or diploma) that you need to use in another country. To have this document recognized as authentic in the other country, it needs a special seal — an apostille.
How does it work?
- Where the apostille is issued: This seal is placed in the country where the document was issued. For example, if you have a Georgian diploma, the apostille needs to be placed in Georgia.
- Who issues the apostille: Usually, this is done by government bodies such as ministries, courts, or local authorities. In Georgia, it’s the Ministry of Justice.
- Why it’s needed: An apostille confirms that the signature and seal on your document are genuine. It acts as a guarantee to the other country that your document is not a forgery.
- When it’s needed: An apostille is needed if the country where you want to use the document accepts apostilles (it must be a participant in the so-called Hague Convention).
Consular Legalization
If the country where you want to use the document does not accept apostilles, then you need consular legalization.
How does it work?
- Where legalization could be done: This is a process in which the consulate or embassy of the country where you plan to use the document verifies its authenticity.
- Why it’s needed: Consular legalization also confirms that your document and everything written on it is genuine. It’s necessary so that the other country can confidently accept your document.
- How the process works: First, your document must be legalized in the ministries of the issuing country (for example, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and then in the consulate or embassy of the country where the document will be used.
Important Points
- Check the requirements: Always clarify which process (apostille or consular legalization) is required for your document in the country where you intend to use it.
- Time and cost: Keep in mind that obtaining an apostille or undergoing consular legalization can take some time and incur certain expenses.
- Additional information: Sometimes additional steps may be required, such as translating the document into the necessary language, which also needs to be certified.
These processes ensure that your documents will be recognized in other countries, which is especially important for studying abroad, international work, marriage, immigration, and other official occasions.