Apostille for Latvia

In Latvia, the process of obtaining an apostille follows the procedures outlined by the Hague Apostille Convention, of which Latvia is a member. The apostille certifies the authenticity of documents for international use in other countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in Latvia:

  1. Determine the Document Type: Documents that can be apostilled in Latvia include:
    • Birth certificates
    • Marriage certificates
    • Academic diplomas and transcripts
    • Notarized documents (such as powers of attorney, affidavits, etc.)
    • Court rulings and other official documents issued by state authorities
  2. Obtain the Document: The document must be issued by an official Latvian authority. For example:
    • Birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by the Civil Registry Office.
    • Academic diplomas from Latvian universities or educational institutions.
    • Notarized documents from licensed Latvian notaries.
    • Official documents issued by government bodies or courts.
  3. Notarization (if required): If your document requires notarization (such as powers of attorney or contracts), it must first be notarized by a licensed Latvian notary public before it can be apostilled.
  4. Submit the Document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: In Latvia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is responsible for issuing apostilles. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the central authority that handles apostille requests for documents issued by Latvian authorities. You can submit your document in person at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riga, or by mail.
  5. Complete the Apostille Request Form: You will need to fill out an apostille application form when submitting your document. The form is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or can be obtained at the Ministry.
  6. Pay the Apostille Fee: There is a fee for obtaining an apostille in Latvia. The fee can be paid in cash at the Ministry if you apply in person, or via other payment methods if you are submitting your document by mail. The fee amount can vary, so it’s advisable to check the Ministry’s website for the current rates.
  7. Processing Time:
    • In-person applications: Apostille processing typically takes 1–2 business days.
    • By mail: If submitting by mail, the process may take 5–7 business days, depending on postal delivery and the Ministry’s workload.
  8. Collect the Apostilled Document: Once the apostille is applied, you can collect the apostilled document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riga, or it can be mailed back to you if you submitted the document by post.

Key Points:

  • Latvia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning documents apostilled in Latvia are recognized in other countries that are also members, and vice versa.
  • Only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Latvia is authorized to issue apostilles for Latvian documents.
  • Foreign documents must be apostilled in their country of origin before they can be used in Latvia.

Documents and Information You Will Need:

  • The original document you want apostilled.
  • A completed apostille request form.
  • Proof of identity (such as a passport or national ID card) may be required.
  • Payment for the apostille fee.

Where to Go for Apostille in Latvia:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia:

For up-to-date information, including the current fee, processing times, and any changes to the process, it’s best to visit the Ministry’s website or contact them directly.

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