What is an apostille?
According to Art. 5 of the Hague Convention of October 05, 1961 an apostille (a special stamp) shall be issued on application of a signatory or any holder of a document. Properly filled in apostille certifies authenticity of signature, signatory's capacity and authenticity of a seal or a stamp on a document. A signature, a seal or a stamp on an apostille do nor require certification. An apostille is required for the following documents: a) documents issued by an entity or an officer within government jurisdiction including documents issued by a public prosecutor's office, a court secretary or a legal executive; b) administrative documents; c) notarial acts. An apostille is required for the following documents: a) documents issued by diplomatic or consular agents; b) administrative documents directly related to commercial or customs transactions.