Documents Issued in Russia Require Apostille in Lithuania

An increasing number of Lithuanian residents face situations where documents issued in Russia need to be submitted for use in Lithuania. Whether it is a marriage certificate, birth certificate, notarized confirmation, or another official document, such documents often require additional certification - an Apostille.

New Requirements Effective January 21, 2025

Please note that starting January 21, 2025, a new requirement will take effect: all documents issued in Russia must be certified with an Apostille to be used in Lithuania. This is due to the termination of the bilateral agreement between Lithuania and Russia, which regulated the mutual recognition of documents without additional legalization. According to the latest legal acts of Lithuania, an Apostille is now mandatory to ensure the authenticity and legal recognition of Russian documents.

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is an international certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document. This process is regulated by the 1961 Hague Convention, which simplified the recognition of documents between different countries. Both Lithuania and Russia are members of the Hague Convention, making apostillation the primary method for using documents internationally.

For more detailed information about the process of document legalization and certification by Apostille, please refer to the section Legalization of documents; certification of documents by an Apostille

When is an Apostille Required?

Documents issued in Russia must be apostilled if they are to be used in Lithuania. For example:

• Personal documents: birth, marriage, or death certificates.
• Legal documents: notarized confirmations, court rulings.
• Business documents: certificates of legal entity registration, contracts.

It is important to note that Apostilles cannot be applied to documents issued by private individuals or organizations. They are only applicable to official documents issued by state institutions or notaries.

Where to Obtain an Apostille?

In Russia, Apostilles are issued by the relevant state institutions:

• For court documents – through the Ministry of Justice.
• For notarized documents – through the Federal Chamber of Notaries.
• For educational documents – through the Ministry of Education.

The Apostille process usually takes from a few days to several weeks, depending on the institution and type of document.

How is an Apostille Recognized in Lithuania?

A document with an Apostille is considered valid in Lithuania; however, proper translation must be ensured. Documents must be translated into Lithuanian and certified by a translator's signature or a notary.

What to Do If a Document Lacks an Apostille?

If a document issued in Russia lacks an Apostille, it will not be recognized in Lithuania. In such cases, you must contact the relevant Russian institution to complete the apostillation process. Some intermediary companies offer assistance in handling these matters, but it is crucial to choose reliable partners.

Why is Proper Documentation Important?

Improperly prepared or insufficiently certified documents can cause various issues: delays in handling legal matters, unfavorable decisions by institutions, or even additional expenses. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that documents comply with all Lithuanian and international requirements in advance.

An Apostille is a critical step to ensure that your documents are recognized and valid in Lithuania. If you have any questions about this process, it is always advisable to consult with specialists or contact the competent authorities.