Apostille on a birth certificate: what is it and what is it for?
It is an international method of legalizing a document that certifies its authenticity and legal validity outside the country of issue. Apostille is affixed to originals or notarized copies and is valid in all countries that have joined the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961. A birth certificate with an apostille will have the same legal validity in all countries party to the convention, a list of which can be found in our article.
Why do I need an apostille on my birth certificate?
An apostilled birth certificate may be required in these situations:
- Obtaining citizenship or a residence permit in another country.
- Paperwork for work or study abroad.
- Adoption of a child.
- Getting married in another country.
- Proof of identity for legal, financial or inheritance matters.
Where can I get an apostille for a birth certificate?
Apostilization of original Russian birth certificates is carried out by civil registry offices at the place of issue of the document. This procedure usually takes a few days, but there may be a number of peculiarities and potential complications. For example, old USSR-era documents are no longer accepted - you need to get a duplicate. Nor will it be possible to apostilize simply shabby or laminated papers. And when traveling to Switzerland, it is recommended to request a duplicate in any case - even with a document of a new form, but with a date of issue more than six months ago, you may be turned down at the place of presentation.
A notarized copy of the certificate or its translation can also be apostilled. In this case the procedure is executed by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation. They do it faster here, but those long lines aren't going anywhere.
When traveling to certain countries, such as Belgium, a double apostille may be required - first on the original and then on its translation certified by a notary. The time for preparation of documents in such a case is much longer.
Please note: some certificates issued with old forms used to include a special insert with information on a child's acceptance of Russian citizenship. This sheet is not part of the main document and is not apostilled together with it.Advantages of BetterLetter
By contacting our office, you will receive professional assistance in issuing an apostille for a birth certificate and avoid possible problems:
- We can apostilize documents in 1 day.
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Examples of our work
Example of apostilized birth certificate
