Table of Contents
Apostille in Lithuania #
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is issued to documents for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. Lithuania is a party to this convention.
Where to Obtain an Apostille in Lithuania #
In Lithuania, apostilles are issued by:
- Notaries: You can obtain an apostille from any notary in Lithuania. Notaries are authorized to certify various documents, including powers of attorney, affidavits, and other legal documents.
- Institutions Issuing the Original Document: Certain institutions that issue official documents can also provide apostilles for those specific documents.
Procedure for Obtaining an Apostille #
- Identify the Document: Ensure you have the original public document that needs to be apostilled.
- Contact a Notary: Locate a notary in Lithuania. You can find a list of notaries through the Chamber of Notaries website.
- Submit the Document: Present the original document to the notary.
- Pay the Fee: There is a fee for the apostille service. The exact amount may vary, so it’s best to confirm with the notary beforehand.
- Receive the Apostille: Once the notary verifies the document and receives the fee, they will attach the apostille to your document.
Documents That Can Be Apostilled #
Common documents that may require an apostille include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Educational diplomas and transcripts
- Court documents
- Notarial acts
- Commercial documents
Important Considerations #
- Original Documents: Generally, only original documents can be apostilled. Certified copies may be accepted in some cases, but it’s best to confirm with the issuing authority or the notary.
- Language: If the document is not in Lithuanian, you may need to provide a certified translation along with the original document.
- Fees: Apostille fees can vary. Check with the notary or the issuing institution for the current fee schedule.
- Processing Time: The time to process an apostille can vary. It’s advisable to inquire about the processing time when submitting your document.
Official Resources #
- Chamber of Notaries: The official website of the Lithuanian Chamber of Notaries provides information about notaries and their services. https://www.notarurum.lt/en
- Hague Convention: Information about the Hague Convention and apostilles can be found on the Hague Conference on Private International Law website. https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/full-text/?cid=41
