Until recently, public documents issued in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the Republic of Belarus, Kazakhstan, as well as in a number of other countries of the former USSR, with which Latvia had concluded bilateral agreements on legal assistance, had legal force in Latvia without any additional legalization (i.e. without Apostille). Undoubtedly, it was very convenient for all those who submitted documents issued in the above-mentioned countries to various Latvian authorities (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, Register of Enterprises, Civil Registry Office, etc.). However, the situation has unfortunately changed.
Please be advised that starting from April 1, 2019, public documents (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, as well as statements on punishability and higher education diplomas) issued by the authorities of the Russian Federation and
other above-mentioned countries should be certified by the application “Apostille” in the competent institution of the respective country.
Besides, as from July 1, 2019 certification of public documents with Apostille will be carried out by sworn notaries, instead of the Consular department of the Foreign affairs ministry.
Recent News
