In Georgia, apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Justice. Applications can be submitted at any branch of the House of Justice (სახლი).
Documents that can be apostilled
- Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates
- Diplomas, academic transcripts, and certificates
- Company registry extracts and corporate documents
- Notarized copies and translations
- Court decisions and other official documents issued by Georgian state authorities
Procedure and timeframe
The standard processing time for an apostille is 1 business day. An expedited service is available for same-day issuance at an additional fee.
An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature and seal of the official who issued the document. It does not certify the content of the document itself. If the receiving country requires a translation, a notarized translation must be arranged separately, either before or after apostillation.
For countries that have not joined the Hague Convention, consular legalization applies: the document is first certified by the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then by the consulate of the destination country.
What you need to provide
- The original document or a notarized copy
- Your passport (for identification)
- A power of attorney if a representative is submitting on your behalf
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an apostille in Georgia for a document issued in another country?
No. The Georgian apostille authority only certifies documents issued by Georgian state bodies or notaries. For a foreign document, the apostille must be obtained in the country where the document was issued.
Do I need a translation to get an apostille?
No translation is required for the apostillation procedure itself in Georgia. A translation may be required by the receiving organization or country.
Does an apostille expire?
The apostille itself has no expiry date, but the receiving organization may require that the underlying document was issued within a certain period. Always confirm requirements with the recipient.
What is consular legalization and when is it needed?
Consular legalization is used for countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention. The process involves multiple steps: notarization, certification by the Georgian MFA, and then certification by the consulate of the destination country. It takes longer and costs more than an apostille.
Can you obtain the apostille without me being present?
Yes. A notarized power of attorney authorizing our representative is sufficient. We collect your documents, file the application, and return the apostilled document to you.