Apostille in Georgia: documents, fees and timelines

What an apostille confirms

An apostille confirms the authenticity of the signature on a document issued in Georgia, the authority of the person who signed it and, if the document has one, its seal or stamp. It does not confirm that the content of the document is correct.

An apostille is used for countries that have joined the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. For other countries, documents are legalized instead, in two steps: first by the Public Service Development Agency, then by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Which documents can be apostilled

An apostille can be placed on documents issued in Georgia by:

• Administrative bodies
• Courts
• The Ministry of Education and educational institutions
• Medical institutions
• Notaries, on notarial acts

Documents that cannot be apostilled

A document issued in another country cannot be apostilled in Georgia. A foreign document that will be used in Georgia receives its apostille or legalization in the country that issued it. In Georgia, the following cannot be apostilled either:

• Documents issued by Georgian embassies and consulates abroad
• Documents of private companies, except medical and educational institutions
• Identity documents and their copies, except a copy of a Georgian passport certified by the authority that issued it
• Driving licences, vehicle registration documents and military service records
• A notary's certification that a copy matches the original or that a translation is accurate
• Receipts issued by administrative bodies

Where to apply and what it costs

Anyone can apply at a Public Service Hall branch or a territorial office of the Public Service Development Agency. The state fee depends on how quickly you need the apostille:

• 8 working days: 30 ₾
• 4 working days: 60 ₾
• 2 working days: 120 ₾
• Same day: 150 ₾ (not offered for education documents)
• Electronic apostille, for documents with a qualified electronic signature: 50 ₾, 3 working days

Apostille and translation: which comes first

It depends on the country that will receive the document. Some ask for the apostille on the original Georgian document and then a translation of both the document and the apostille. Others ask for a notarized translation, with the apostille placed on the notary's certification of the translator's signature.

Ask the institution that will receive the document, or send us the country and the document and we will tell you the order before you pay. We can also apply for the apostille for you, from 48 ₾ including the state fee.