Apostille vs Legalization in Georgia: Which Certification Do You Need?

Georgia provides two different certification routes for Georgian public documents intended for use abroad: apostille and legalization.

The correct route depends principally on the destination country, the document, and any applicable international agreement. An apostille is not a stronger version of legalization; it is a different procedure used where the Hague Apostille Convention applies.

When an apostille is used

The Public Service Development Agency (PSDA) states that Georgian documents certified with an apostille can be used in states participating in the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.

For a qualifying Georgian document, the apostille confirms matters such as:

• authenticity of the signature;
• authority of the person who signed the document; and
• authenticity of the seal or stamp where applicable.

An apostille does not certify the truth of the underlying factual content.

When legalization is used

For countries where the Apostille Convention route is not available, PSDA states that legalization remains the applicable procedure.

For Georgian documents, the Agency describes legalization as a two-stage process: the first stage is handled by the Agency and the second by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The Agency currently provides the process on a single-window basis.

PSDA also notes that, after Georgian legalization, the document may need further certification by the diplomatic or consular office of the destination state.

Where to apply

Applications may be filed through:

• territorial offices of the Public Service Development Agency; and
• branches of the Public Service Hall.

The Agency also publishes remote/electronic options for certain documents and applicants, including electronic apostille services.

Because channels, fees and processing times can change, check the Agency's current service page at the time of filing.

Not every document can be apostilled or legalized

PSDA publishes both eligible and excluded document categories.

Examples of documents it lists as potentially eligible include qualifying:

• administrative documents;
• court documents;
• notarial acts;
• medical-institution documents; and
• educational documents.

The Agency also lists exclusions. A document should therefore be checked by type before assuming that an apostille can simply be attached to it.

Translation is a separate issue

The Agency offers translation into specified foreign languages for documents going through apostille/legalization and can certify qualifying translations through the applicable process.

But the receiving institution may have its own requirements about:

• the language;
• whether the original or a certified copy is needed;
• whether the apostille must be on the original or another certified document; and
• whether a later translation must itself be certified.

For a document coming into Georgia, the authentication and translation chain can also differ depending on the country of origin and applicable treaty.

Start with the receiving authority

Before ordering translation, notarization or certification, confirm:

1. the exact document the receiving authority requires;
2. the destination country;
3. whether the Apostille Convention or another treaty applies;
4. whether an original, certified copy or electronic document is acceptable; and
5. the required translation format.

That avoids paying for a certification chain that the receiving authority will not accept.

For apostille, legalization and document-chain coordination, see Administrative Law & Notarial Support or contact TK Counsel.