Apostille for Kosovo

In Kosovo, the process of obtaining an apostille follows the guidelines of the Hague Apostille Convention, of which Kosovo is a member. The apostille serves to authenticate documents for international use in other countries that are also part of the Hague Convention.

Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in Kosovo:

1. Determine the Document Type: Documents that can be apostilled in Kosovo include:
   • Birth certificates
   • Marriage certificates
   • Academic diplomas and transcripts
   • Notarized documents (such as powers of attorney, affidavits, etc.)
   • Other official government-issued documents (e.g., court decisions, legal certificates)
2. Obtain the Document: The document should be issued by an official Kosovo authority. Examples include:
   • Birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by the Civil Registry.
   • Academic documents issued by educational institutions in Kosovo.
   • Notarized documents from a licensed Kosovo notary public.
   • Other official documents from government bodies or courts.
3. Notarization (if required): Some documents (such as powers of attorney, contracts, etc.) may need to be notarized by a licensed Kosovo notary public before they can be apostilled. Make sure your document is properly notarized if required.
4. Submit the Document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA): In Kosovo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is responsible for issuing apostilles. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the central authority that certifies documents for international use. You will need to submit your document for apostille either in person or by mail to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pristina (Kosovo’s capital).
5. Complete the Apostille Request Form: When submitting your document, you will need to fill out a request form. This form can usually be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or downloaded from their official website.
6. Pay the Apostille Fee: There is a processing fee for obtaining an apostille in Kosovo. The fee can be paid in cash at the Ministry if submitting in person or through another approved payment method if submitting by mail. It is advisable to check the exact amount of the fee on the Ministry’s website or inquire directly.
7. Processing Time:
   • In-person applications: Apostille processing typically takes 1–2 business days if submitted in person.
   • By mail: If submitted by post, the process may take around 5–7 business days depending on the volume of requests and postal delivery times.
8. Collect the Apostilled Document: After the apostille is applied, you can collect the apostilled document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pristina or have it mailed to you if you submitted it by post.

Key Points:

• Kosovo is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents apostilled in Kosovo are valid in other member countries and vice versa.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kosovo is the only authority authorized to issue apostilles for documents.
• Foreign documents need to be apostilled in the country of origin before being used in Kosovo.

Documents and Information You Will Need:

• The original document you wish to have apostilled.
• A completed apostille request form.
• Proof of identity (passport or ID card may be required).
• Payment for the apostille fee.

Where to Go for Apostille in Kosovo:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo:
  • Address: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rr. “Mihajl Kachaku”, No. 1, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo.

For specific information on processing times, fees, or additional requirements, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact them directly. This will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date details.