Georgia joined the Hague Convention on August 26, 2006, and started implementing the apostille from May 2007. This means that documents issued before May 2007 are not subject to apostillization and require updating.
The entry into force of the convention for Georgia and other countries occurred at different times. For example, for Germany, this date is February 3, 2010, and for Greece, it is December 17, 2015. This means that documents apostilled in Georgia before these dates are not recognized in the respective countries.
Documents from Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not subject to the convention.
Processing an Apostille in Georgia
An apostille in Georgia is placed on documents regardless of their translation. It can be executed with a stamp or a seal on a self-adhesive paper carrier with security features.
The text of the apostille in Georgian and its translation into Russian includes information about the country (Georgia), the signatory, their position, the seal, the place and date of issue, as well as the apostille number and signature.
The apostille is used for company founding documents, extracts from the commercial register, and other official papers.
Necessity of an Apostille
An apostille is necessary to confirm the authenticity of signatures and seals due to the frequent change of officials and the multitude of their signatures. This simplifies the work of foreign authorities when accepting documents and reduces their processing time.
In Georgia, it is not possible to obtain an apostille at consulates, as per the provisions of the Hague Convention.
Electronic Apostille in Georgia
Since 2020, Georgia has introduced an electronic apostille (E-apostille), allowing for the verification of up to 100 types of documents online. This is a convenient way to confirm documents such as birth certificates, medical certificates, and others. The electronic apostille is integrated into the national electronic services system and is available for verification on the official website of Georgia’s state services.
Where to Get (Place) an Apostille in Georgia
Designated competent authorities (according to https://www.hcch.net/):
- LEPL “Public Service Development Agency” (PSDA) of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.
The PSDA is responsible for affixing apostilles on all documents if other competent authorities do not do so.
- LEPL National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of Georgia.
Regarding educational documents (university diplomas, high school certificates, etc.), according to the joint order No. 93/ნ – No. 170 of August 10, 2016, by the Minister of Education and Science and the Minister of Justice of Georgia “On Approval of the Rules for Requesting and Receiving Information Necessary for Apostille/Legalization of Documents Issued by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and Bodies of the Ministry’s System, as well as Documents Issued by Educational Institutions within Their Competence”, documents are submitted to the PSDA by the interested party, and documents are sent by the PSDA through the electronic management system to the LEPL National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of Georgia for examination, which makes a positive and/or negative decision on the apostille certification of the documents.
- LEPL Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia is authorized to apostille documents processed/issued by the Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.