Where can I get an apostille?

Apostille in Poland: Detailed Explanation #

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, which abolished the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents. In Poland, if you need to get an apostille for a document, here’s where and how to do it:

Competent Authority #

In Poland, the authority designated to issue apostilles is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerstwo Spraw Zagranicznych).

Contact Information #

• Address: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, al. J. Ch. Szucha 23, 00-580 Warszawa, Poland
• Phone: +48 22 523 9000
• Website: https://www.gov.pl/web/msz/apostille

How to Obtain an Apostille in Poland #

1. Identify the Document: Ensure that the document is an original public document or a certified copy issued by a competent authority. Public documents include court documents, notarial acts, official certificates, and administrative documents.
2. Prepare the Document: Make sure the document is in good condition and contains all necessary signatures and seals.
3. Submit the Application:
   • You can submit the application in person at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Warsaw.
   • Alternatively, you can send the document by traditional post.
4. Include Required Information:
   • A cover letter specifying the country in which the document will be used.
   • Your contact information (phone number, email address).
5. Pay the Fee: As of the current information, the fee for obtaining an apostille in Poland is 60 PLN per document. Payment can typically be made via bank transfer to the Ministry’s account or in person at the cash desk if applying in person. Always verify the current fee and accepted payment methods on the Ministry’s website or by contacting them directly.
6. Bank Account Details for Payment: You can find the relevant bank account information on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or by contacting them directly.
7. Processing Time: The processing time can vary, but it is usually completed within a few days. It’s advisable to inquire about the current processing time when submitting your application.
8. Collection: You can collect the apostilled document in person or have it sent back to you by post. If you choose the latter, provide a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.

Types of Documents That Can Be Apostilled #

• Civil Registry Documents: Birth, marriage, and death certificates.
• Notarial Acts: Documents certified by a notary public.
• Court Documents: Judgments, orders, and other documents issued by courts.
• Educational Documents: Diplomas, transcripts, and certificates issued by educational institutions.
• Commercial Documents: Documents related to business and trade, such as articles of incorporation and trade licenses.
• Official Certificates: Any official certificate issued by a Polish authority.

Important Considerations #

• Original Documents: Generally, only original documents or certified copies can be apostilled.
• Language: The apostille is usually issued in Polish, with standard sections also provided in English and French.
• Verification: Always verify the most current requirements and fees on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before submitting your application.

Official References and Links #

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Apostille Information: https://www.gov.pl/web/msz/apostille