A certificate of secondary education may be required for admission to universities, when looking for a job, applying for a visa or citizenship in another country. If you need to use this certificate outside of Russia, it must be legalized, that is, its legal validity must be confirmed. There is an apostilization procedure for this purpose.
What is an apostille?
This is a stamp that is affixed to original or notarized copies of documents issued in countries that signed the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961. It confirms the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document, as well as the authenticity of the seal of the organization that issued it. An apostille makes documents legitimate and allows them to be used in 120+ countries around the world.
Why do I need an apostille of a secondary education certificate?
You may need it in the following cases:
- Study abroad: many universities and colleges require proof of applicants' educational background, including an apostilled certificate.
- Getting a job abroad: employers may ask you to provide a certificate with an apostille to prove your qualification.
- Obtaining a visa or residence permit: some countries require a certificate with an apostille in order to apply for immigration.
- Internship: some internship programs abroad require proof of education with an apostilled school diploma.
How do I get an apostille for my secondary education certificate?
There are two main ways of apostille:
1. Through the Department of Education
Affixed directly to the original certificate. For this purpose it is necessary to:
- Provide the original certificate.
- Provide your passport.
- Fill out an application.
- Pay the state fee.
Pros:
- No limitations on the place of issue: The Moscow Department of Education accepts certificates issued in any city or region of Russia.
Cons:
- Personal attendance: You will need to go to the Department of Education in person to apply. If you are not able to do this yourself, you will need to issue a notarized power of attorney.
- Processing time: submitting documents for apostilization can take anywhere from 10 to 60 business days, with no one giving an exact timeframe.
- Probability of rejection: if your school fails to respond to the Department of Education's request, the documents will be returned without an apostille.
2. Through the Ministry of Justice
It is affixed to a notarized copy of the certificate or its notarized translation. For this purpose you need to:
- Provide notarized copy or notarized translation.
- Provide your passport.
- Fill out an application.
- Pay the state fee.
Pros:
- Fast processing: usually the finished papers are issued on the 5th working day after the application is submitted.
- Ability to receive the service without executing a power of attorney.
Important notes:
- Consult with the university or organization and find out what method of apostille they require.
- Check the requirements of the country you are traveling to and make sure that the chosen apostilization method complies with the rules of the country of destination.
How do I get an apostille quickly and without problems?
To apostilize a secondary school certificate quickly and without any troubles, it is better to turn to specialized companies that provide document legalization services, such as our company BetterLetter. We can:
- Make a notarized copy.
- Translate into any foreign language.
- Put an apostille on the certificate.
- Ensure the delivery of documents.
Advantages of apostille in BetterLetter:
- Quality assurance.
- Ability to get the finished papers faster than the official term - up to 1 working day.
- Full list of services - from notarization and translation to apostilization and delivery.
- Affordable prices.
Apostille of a secondary education certificate is a mandatory step if you need to use this document outside of Russia. Study the requirements of the university, organization or country you are going to, choose an apostille method, and contact BetterLetter to avoid unnecessary hassle.