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What Is Apostille and Legalization?

16/02/2026

Apostille — a simplified certification accepted in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (1961).

 

Legalization — a more thorough form of authentication needed for countries that are not members of that Convention.

📌 What’s the Difference Between Apostille and Legalization?

💠 Apostille:

Used for countries that joined the Hague Apostille Convention

Only one step — the apostille is added to the document.

✔Once applied, your document is usually accepted in all member states without further validation.

 

💠 Legalization:

Required when your destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

It’s two stage process: firstly, validation by the issuing agency in Georgia, then confirmation by the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is worth mentioning, that after both stages are complete, some embassies/consulates might still ask for an additional consular stamp.

 

Important: Always confirm with the embassy of the destination country whether apostille OR legalization is needed for your specific purpose.

📌 Where and How to Apply in Georgia?

In Georgia, your documents can be submitted to:

🏛️ State Service Development Agency / Public Service Hall / House of Justice branches
✔️ We can take your application for both apostille and legalization.

The process generally includes a few things:

  1. We will have to submit the original Georgian document or a certified copy.
  2. Specify whether you need apostille or legalization.
  3. Pay the required fee, and receive your certified/validated document ready for international use.

📌 Which Countries Accept a Georgian Apostille?

Georgia is part of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, so apostilled Georgian documents are usually valid in:

✔ Most European countries
✔ USA & Canada
✔ Australia
✔ Turkey
✔ Many countries in Asia & Latin America

(Exact lists can vary; always check with the destination country’s authorities.)

Important: For countries not part of the Convention, legalization — often with consular confirmation — is usually required.

 

📌 Who Needs Apostille and Legalization Services?

Whether you are planning to: study abroad, starting a new job overseas, applying for residency or citizenship, or preparing documents for marriage in another country, ensuring your paperwork is properly authenticated is an important step. Approaching the process with the right support and careful preparation can help you avoid unnecessary complications and move forward with confidence.

📌 The Minsk Convention: When Apostille or Legalization May Not Be Required

 

When preparing documents for use abroad, apostille or legalization is typically necessary. However, there is an important exception under the Minsk Convention that may simplify the process. Understanding whether this applies to your situation can help avoid unnecessary procedures and expenses.

 

💠 What Is the Minsk Convention?

The Minsk Convention regulates legal cooperation between several post-Soviet states. Under this agreement, official documents issued in one member country are generally recognized in another member country without apostille or legalization.

 

💠 Does It Apply to Documents Issued in Georgia?

Georgia is a member of Minsk Convention. This means that certain Georgian-issued documents may be accepted in other member states without additional authentication.

Countries commonly covered include:

✔Armenia

✔Azerbaijan

✔Belarus

✔Kazakhstan

✔Kyrgyzstan

✔Moldova

✔Russia

✔Tajikistan

✔Uzbekistan

Important: However, eligibility depends on the type of document and the purpose for which it is being submitted.

 

💠 How We Assist Our Clients

If the Minsk Convention applies, we advise accordingly and help you proceed without unnecessary authentication steps.

If apostille or legalization is still required, we handle the process efficiently and in compliance with current regulations.

 

Our goal is simple:
To ensure your documents are accepted abroad without delays, extra costs, or procedural errors.

 

📌 Professional Document Translation and Full-Service Support

Our agency provides complete document support, helping clients move through the apostille and legalization process with clarity and confidence. 🤝🏼

 

We assist with:

✅ Professional translation of official documents
✅ Collection and review of required paperwork
✅ Notarization coordination
✅ Submission to the Public Service Hall
✅ End-to-end process management
✅ Ongoing updates so you are never left guessing

 

 

📞 Phone: +995 571 53 70 51
📧 Email: info@tradumi.com
🌐 Website: www.tradumi.com