Documents Legalisation
Documents Legalisation
Legalization and legalisation of company documents: what is it and why?
If your company plans to do business abroad, participate in international tenders or open branches in other countries, you will most likely need legalization or approval of the founding documents. It sounds complicated, but in fact it is just a confirmation of the authenticity of your documents for use abroad.
In addition to the main founding documents, legalization or apostilling may be required for other documents related to the company’s activities abroad. For example, it can be accounting reports, contracts, licenses, certificates and other documents that confirm the company’s right to conduct certain activities.
The legalization and approval of founding documents is an investment in the future of your business on the international stage. Properly executed documents will allow you to avoid legal problems, establish cooperation with foreign partners and successfully develop your business abroad.
What is legalisation and apostille?
Legalization is a more complex procedure required for countries that are not signatories to the Hague Convention. It involves the successive certification of a document in several instances: first at the issuing body, then at the Ministry of Justice and finally at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the document was issued. The document must then be certified by the consulate of the country where it will be used
Apostille is a simplified form of legalization, which operates in the countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention. Apostille is a special stamp affixed to the document by an authorized body (usually the Ministry of Justice or another agency, depending on the country). Apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the position of the person who signed the document and the seal to which it is affixed.
Which constituent documents usually require legalization or apostille?
Company Charter: The basic document defining the activities of the company.
Certificate of registration: Confirms the company’s registration in the state registry.
Extract from EGRYL/EGRIP: Contains current information about the company, including its legal address, founders and manager.
Decision/Protocol on the appointment of a director: Confirms the authority of the head of the company.
Powers of attorney: If you plan to delegate authority to a company representative abroad.
Other documents: Depending on the specific situation and requirements of the host country.
Why would you do that?
Legalization or apostilling is necessary for your constituent documents to have legal force abroad. Without this, foreign organizations and public authorities will not be able to recognize their authenticity and, accordingly, will not be able to cooperate with your company.
How to do this?
The legalization or apostilling procedure may differ depending on the country where the documents were issued and the country where they will be used. It is recommended to contact specialists who will help you:
- Determine whether legalization or apostille is required for your particular situation.
- Prepare the necessary documents.
- Pass all stages of the procedure of legalization or apothecary.
- Avoid errors and save time.
Finally:
Legalization and approval of the founding documents is an important step for companies planning international activities. Do not neglect this procedure to avoid problems and successfully develop your business abroad. Please contact a professional to get expert help and ensure your documents are properly processed.
Hague Apostille Country List
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Burundi
- Cape Verde
- Chile
- China, People’s Republic of
(Hong Kong & Macao Only) - Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea, Republic of
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malawi
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova, Republic of
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niue
- North Macedonia, Republic of
- Norway
- Oman
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland - Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
For instance, when opening a company’s bank account the chosen bank will require a Notarised and Apostilled copy of the document as a confirmation of the company’s registration and the director’s identity.
If your country recognises Apostille we would highly recommend you to order this service. Please contact us for more information
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