Apostile of documents in Kazakhstan

Apostille – is a simplified process of consul legalization. It is like an international notary, which allows documents to be recognized in other countries. Consul legalization has a few steps and apostille only one. It is available to put an apostille on copy or original of document. The Rule which regulates apostille process is Hague Convention.

Important note: apostille is valid in countries who signed Apostille Convention. Otherwise, consul legalization is required.

How long does it take to get an apostille?

It takes about 10-15 business days to collect documents including translation, notary verification and payment of government fee. Processing period since application is registered is 1-3 business days.

How much does it cost to put an apostille?

In Kazakhstan: government fee is 0.5 MCI per each document. An additional expense: translation, notary verification and services of legal consultants.

Which Authority can put an apostille?

It is obligatory to put an apostille in country of granting document. Usually, the issue covers by Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Education department and others.

Department of Justice covers procedure in Kazakhstan. At the moment documents can be submitted by two ways: 1. State Corporation Government for citizens (TSON) 2. Web site www.egov.kz.

How we can check document has an apostille?

Apostille is a special sign which must be enclosed to document or stamped. According to Hague Convention it must be square or rectangular shape not less then 9 sm. Title is always in French: Apostille (Convention de la Haye du 5 octobre 1961). Rest information can be in English, French or national language. There are different ways of putting an apostille: stamp, stick, seal. Here you can see an example of Kazakhstan apostilles.

Which Rule regulates apostille process?

Apostille procedure in Kazakhstan regulates by Rules of rendering state service “Apostille of an official document”.

What is the list of required documents to put an apostille?

• application
• ID card
• original or notarized copy of document to be apostilled
• confirmation of government fee payment
• power of attorney if application is submitted by another person

Are there any exemptions from Rules do not need an apostille?

There are some countries, members of Minsk and Kishinev convention do not need apostille and legalization in Kazakhstan:

1. Azerbaijan
2. Armenia
3. Belorussia
4. Georgia
5. Kazakhstan
6. Kyrgyzstan
7. Russia
8. Tajikistan
9. Turkmenistan
10. Uzbekistan
11. Ukraine

Which kind of documents require mark of apostille?

1. educational documents
2. birth certificates
3. marriage and divorce certificates
4. charter documents of legal entities
5. an official letter from Authorities
6. power of attorneys
7. notary verified translations and other official documents.

Can you list the main red flags in apostille process?

– Electronic apostille. At the moment, Notary services in Kazakhstan refuse to verify documents with e-apostille issued in foreign countries. E-apostille does not have stamps and signatures, that is the reason.

– Some countries request double apostille. Initially you put apostille on original of document, then translation is required and notary verified copy of document is to be apostilled too. Double apostille requests in Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria and others.

– Place of granting documents is far away from place of residence of foreign national. In USA apostille is to be apostilled in state where it was issued.  Method of exterritoriality as in Kazakhstan does not work there.

There are other red flags and details of procedure. It is individual and depends on requirements of accepting country.

What is it electronic apostille?

Electronic apostille is the same apostille as standard one, but with some advantages:

• It can be received online and is not required to be in person
• It is not required to submit paper documents
• Procedure is faster than standard one.

E-apostille is implementing by members of Hague Convention starting since 2006. Technology is named e-APP, Program of Electronic Apostille. Copy of documents is to be signed by digital signature or QR code. Original of documents is not required as there are no any stamps or real signatures, just digital. At the moment e-apostille is implemented in about 30 countries.

At the moment e-apostille is not accepted in all countries of Apostille Convention. It is connected with special aspects of local legislation.