In Liechtenstein, the process of obtaining an apostille follows the procedures set by the Hague Apostille Convention, which Liechtenstein is a member of. The apostille certifies the authenticity of documents for international use in countries that are also members of the Hague Convention.
Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in Liechtenstein:
- Determine the Document Type: Documents that can be apostilled in Liechtenstein include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Notarized documents (e.g., powers of attorney, affidavits)
- Court decisions and other official documents issued by state authorities
- Obtain the Document: The document must be issued by an official Liechtenstein authority. For example:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by the Civil Registry.
- Academic diplomas from universities or educational institutions in Liechtenstein.
- Notarized documents from licensed Liechtenstein notaries.
- Official documents from government bodies or courts.
- Notarization (if required): If your document requires notarization (such as powers of attorney, contracts, etc.), it must first be notarized by a licensed Liechtenstein notary public before it can be apostilled.
- Submit the Document to the Government: In Liechtenstein, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or the Office of Justice) is responsible for issuing apostilles. The apostille is usually processed by the Office of Justice in Vaduz, the capital city. You will need to submit your document to the appropriate authority for apostille processing.
- Complete the Apostille Application Form: When submitting your document, you will need to complete an apostille application form. This form can be obtained from the Office of Justice or possibly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Pay the Apostille Fee: There is a processing fee for obtaining an apostille in Liechtenstein. The fee can typically be paid in cash or via other approved methods. You should check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Office of Justice for the current fee.
- Processing Time:
- In-person submissions: Apostille processing in Liechtenstein generally takes 1–3 business days if submitted in person.
- By mail: If you are submitting by mail, the process may take 5–7 business days, depending on the volume of requests and postal delivery times.
- Collect the Apostilled Document: After the apostille is applied, you can collect the apostilled document from the Office of Justice or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vaduz, or it can be mailed back to you if you submitted it by post.
Key Points:
- Liechtenstein is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents apostilled in Liechtenstein are valid in other countries that are members of the convention and vice versa.
- Only the Office of Justice or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Liechtenstein is authorized to issue apostilles for Liechtenstein-issued documents.
- Foreign documents must be apostilled in their country of origin before they can be used in Liechtenstein.
Documents and Information You Will Need:
- The original document you wish to have apostilled.
- A completed apostille application form.
- Proof of identity (passport or national ID card may be required).
- Payment for the apostille fee.
Where to Go for Apostille in Liechtenstein:
- Office of Justice, Liechtenstein:
- Address: Landesverwaltung, Office of Justice, Postfach 684, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
- Phone: +423 236 63 43
- Website: Office of Justice Liechtenstein
For accurate and up-to-date information on fees, forms, and processing times, it’s recommended to visit the Office of Justice website or contact them directly.