An apostille is issued in the official language of the state in which the documents and public deeds were issued, although it may also be bilingual (the second language is most often English). For this reason, you will also need a sworn translation of the public document. A list of sworn translators is available on the website of the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic.

We recommend making a photocopy of the public document you wish to have apostilled and keeping the original for your own use. The photocopy must, however, first be certified at the initial level.

The statutory deadline for certifying public documents is 30 days, or while you wait, provided there are no circumstances preventing legalisation.

The administrative fee for certifying public documents by apostille is €20, payable in revenue stamps.

Whether you need an apostille from domestic state authorities or from abroad, for your company or for yourself, you can make use of our apostille services. For further information, please get in touch via our contact form.

Common Mistakes When Legalising Documents

The process of obtaining an apostille is usually straightforward, but certain mistakes come up again and again. Each of them can lead to delays, extra costs or a document being rejected at its destination. Knowing what to watch out for makes it much more likely that your documents will be accepted first time.

Legalising the Wrong Version

Some authorities abroad require an original document, while others accept a certified copy. Some insist on a document issued within a specific period. Legalising an old extract or the wrong type of copy may mean starting again. Always confirm with the recipient exactly what they need.

Translating in the Wrong Order

Whether a translation should be made before or after the apostille, and whether the translation itself needs to be legalised, depends on the requirements of the receiving country. Getting the order wrong can result in an incomplete package. When planning the process, consider:

  • Whether the apostille must be translated together with the document
  • Whether the translator must be sworn in a particular country
  • Whether the translation needs its own legalisation
  • Whether bilingual apostilles are accepted without translation

Submitting to the Wrong Authority

Different authorities are responsible for different types of document. A document sent to an authority that cannot verify its signature will be returned. Identifying the correct authority before submitting saves time.

Not Allowing Enough Time

While some apostilles can be issued quickly, others take longer, particularly if a document must first be obtained or certified, or if documents need to be posted between countries. If you are working to a deadline, such as a visa appointment or company registration, build in a margin for delivery and translation.

Protecting Your Originals

Where a certified copy is acceptable, legalising a copy rather than the original allows you to keep the original for future use. This can be useful if you expect to need the same document in more than one country.

Contact eTuls for help legalising your documents. We will check the requirements, plan the steps in the right order and handle submissions, translations and delivery for you.