Consultations on requirements for translation and apostillation of documents for a notary
Proper preparation of documents for notarisation is often accompanied by uncertainty regarding the requirements for translation and apostille of documents. Incorrect translation or lack of apostille may result in refusal by a notary or wasted time.
Consultant experts provide expert advice on the apostille of documents and their official translation for a notary, ensuring compliance with all legal norms.
Requirements for the apostille of documents for a notary
An apostille certifies the authenticity of an official document for use abroad and is recognised in accordance with the Hague Convention of 1961. Incorrect execution may render the document unrecognisable.
Before submitting documents to a notary, it is necessary to:
- Apostille state certificates (birth, marriage, death) issued by Ukrainian authorities;
Check the completeness of the translated documents, including all pages, seals and signatures;
Obtain a notarial certification of the translation after apostille and translation agency certification;
Ensure that the apostille corresponds to the original, without corrections or amendments.
Strict compliance with these requirements ensures the acceptability of documentation by notaries when formalising agreements or inheritance cases.
Translation of documents for a notary: standards and practices
A correct translation for a notary requires not only accuracy, but also compliance with the formal criteria established by law.
When translating a document, it is necessary to:
- Order a translation from accredited agencies that are licensed to notarise translations;
Have the translator's signature notarised, indicating the translator's details and the agency's seal;
Translate all parts of the document, including graphs, tables, seals and signatures;
Preserve the formatting so that the document matches the original in structure.
These steps ensure that the translation is acceptable for notarial actions and government agencies.
Comprehensive consultation on apostille and document translation
It is important for the client to receive not just a translation, but full support — from the selection of a translator to the correct execution of the apostille and notarisation.
Consultant's expert advice covers:
- Analysis of each document submitted by the client: determining which documents require an apostille and how to prepare them correctly.
Recommendations from the translation agency: accredited translators who have the appropriate licence, experience in translating legal documents and cooperate with notaries.
Assistance in obtaining an apostille from the relevant authorities (the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Education, depending on the type of document) or by post.
Assessment of the completeness of the package of documents for further use before a notary.
If necessary, we recommend obtaining additional documents, copies, extracts or duplicates that may be required in a particular case.
Advantages of working with Consultant in resolving apostille and translation issues

Professional support with apostille — taking into account the specifics of the procedure in different countries.

Translation in accredited bureaus with notarial certification.

A full range of turnkey services — planning, registration, apostille, notary services.
Frequently asked questions about the requirements for translation and apostille of documents for a notary
Question
What is an apostille and when is it needed?
Answer
An apostille is a stamp certifying the authenticity of a document for use abroad. It must be affixed to official Ukrainian documents if they are submitted in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention.
Question
Can I do the translation myself?
Answer
The law requires translations from accredited agencies, with notarial certification. Independent translations are usually not accepted by notaries.
Question
Do I need to apostille the translated document?
Answer
No — the apostille is affixed to the original document. The translation is notarised after the apostille is affixed to confirm that the translation matches the original.
ConclusionProper apostille of documents and professional translation for a notary are key components of successful legal registration. At Consultant, we offer advice on apostille of documents, organise translation through accredited agencies and provide full support for notarial procedures — regardless of your location.