Simplified procedure
Available only where the corresponding international arrangement applies between the countries.
Documents for use abroad
Consular legalisation through a workable route
We check the destination country, document type and consular requirements, then plan the sequence before you spend time on translation and certification.
1 routefor the specific country and purpose
2 checksthe document and the requirements
Freeinitial consultation
Not the same as an apostille
The destination country
sets the procedure
An apostille is normally used for countries covered by the 1961 Hague Convention. If that process does not apply and no treaty removes the legalisation requirement, the document may need consecutive certification by Russian authorities and the relevant consulate. The exact chain depends on the document and the country’s requirements.
Sequential certification
The document passes through the required authorities and then the destination country’s consular stage.
Legalisation may not be required
An international agreement can sometimes make translation and the appropriate certification sufficient.
What we handle
Personal, educational
and business documents
Birth, marriage and other civil-status certificates
We check the issuing authority, signatures and whether a replacement certificate is needed before legalisation.
Degrees, school certificates, transcripts and academic statements
Destination country rules determine whether the original, an archive statement, translation or certification is required.
Certificates, powers of attorney, consents and declarations
We check validity, the signatory's authority and the certification route used by the selected consulate.
Notarial and court documents
The route identifies each authority and the stage at which the document must be translated.
Extracts, constitutional documents and Russian company records
Signatures, seals and the official's authority are checked in every corporate document.
Translations and notarised copies where required by the route
A copy or translation is added only when the consulate or receiving organisation requires it.
Sequence
Every certification
in the right place
We examine the document
The place of issue, signatures, seals, condition and completeness are checked.
We confirm requirements
We check the country, purpose, authorities, consulate and translation stage.
We handle each stage
Copies are prepared and the document follows the agreed sequence.
We assemble the set
The document and all certifications are translated and certified as required.
Before payment
Do not order the translation until the sequence is clear
Some consulates accept translation only at a particular stage or require a specific form of certification. Translating too early can mean that the document must be prepared again.
Send scans of every page and state the country and receiving organisation. We will compare an apostille, the consular procedure and any applicable exemptions.
Before filing
Questions about legalisation
How is consular legalisation different from an apostille?
An apostille applies between countries covered by the 1961 Hague Convention. Otherwise, a document may require consecutive certification by Russian authorities and the destination country’s consulate.
How long does consular legalisation take?
The procedure often takes several weeks. Timing depends on the document, consular requirements and authority schedules. We prepare the exact route and estimate after checking the destination country.
Can a foreign document be legalised in Russia?
A document is normally legalised in the country where it was issued, through its authorised bodies and consular institutions. We check the applicable agreement and Russian recipient’s requirements case by case.
When should the translation be made?
The sequence depends on the consulate. Sometimes the fully legalised document is translated with all certifications; sometimes translation is an intermediate step. We advise against ordering it before the route is checked.
What do you need for a quote?
Send scans of every page and state the destination country and receiving organisation. Include any written requirements supplied by the recipient.
Start with a check
Tell us the country and show us the document
We will map the steps, expected timing and full cost for the complete set.