The biggest mistake when sending a document abroad is doing things in the wrong order: an apostille on the wrong document, or a translation missing a stamp the recipient requires. This tool shows the route for your document and country, who handles each step and how long it takes.
How the three routes differ
- Apostille applies in member countries of the 1961 Hague Convention. It confirms the signature and seal on a document, and no other certification is then needed.
- Consular legalization is needed for countries outside the Convention. It is a chain: the Public Service Development Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy or consulate of the destination country. See the legalization page for details.
- A notarized translation alone is often enough for countries that have a legal assistance arrangement with Georgia, and for documents such as a passport.
Who issues apostilles in Georgia
For most documents the apostille comes from the Public Service Development Agency, and you apply at a Public Service Hall. For educational documents the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement decides, and for criminal record certificates it is the Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
An apostille cannot go directly on a private company document such as a contract or a bank letter. Nor can it go on a notarized translation, a notarized copy, an identity document or a driving licence. See the full list on the apostille page, and examples on diploma translation and birth certificate translation.
What the notary actually does
In Georgia the notary certifies that the translator's signature is genuine, not the content of the translation. The translator is responsible for the quality of the translation, and notarization gives it its official form.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the result?
The route is based on the official rules of the Public Service Development Agency and the Hague Conference status table. It is a guide, and the recipient always has the final say, so confirm with them before you start.
Does express shorten the whole route?
No. Express, 1-2 hours, applies to our part: the translation and notarization, for orders received during working hours. State agency and embassy timelines do not depend on it.
What if my country is not on the list?
Choose "Another country" and message us. We check the rule individually in that case.
Can you apostille a foreign document from here?
No. The apostille or legalization is done in the country that issued the document. Our part starts once the document reaches Georgia: we translate it into Georgian and have it notarized.