Apostille

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a certification of the document in the country in which it was originally issued. This is the standard method of legalization of public acts and instruments so that they are valid and accepted when presented overseas. In Bulgaria, the apostille was introduced on 30 April 2001, when our country joined the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961. When apostilled, the document needs no further form of certification and legalization, both in the issuing country and in the Convention member country where the document will be ultimately presented. The form and content of the apostille are mandatory for all countries – parties to the Hague Convention.

Click here to see apostille samples!

Pursuant to Clause 7 of the Hague Convention, there are 10 mandatory points in the Apostille:
1. Name of the issuing country;
2. Name of the signatory;
3. The capacity of the signatory; in case of documents with no signature – the name of the authority that affixed the seal or the stamp;
4. Place of the apostille certification;
5. Date of certification;
6. Issuing authority;
7. Certification number;
8. Date of certification;
9. Seal/stamp of the issuing authority;
10. Signature of the issuing authority

Which are the apostille issuing authorities in Bulgaria?
In Bulgaria, apostille attestation is made by four institutions – Ministry of Justice (for judicial documents), National Center for Information and Documentation /NACID/ (for educational documents), the District Administration of the relevant municipality (for all municipal documents) and the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Where is apostille issued abroad?
In different countries it is issued by different authorities, so it is advisable to consult a lawyer or the relevant embassy in that country.

What purpose does the apostille serve?
1. It only certifies the origin of the public document.
2. It does not certify the content of the public document.
3. It does not certify whether all requirements of local laws for proper issuance of the public document have been duly met.
4. The apostille is not a guarantee that the public document will be accepted and admitted.
5. The apostille has no expiration date.

If you have any further questions about getting your document properly apostilled, do not hesitate to contact us!