To obtain an apostille for documents in Saint Kitts and Nevis, the process is governed by the Hague Convention of 1961, which Saint Kitts and Nevis is a signatory to. This means that public documents issued in Saint Kitts and Nevis can be apostilled for use in other countries that are also members of the Hague Convention.

Steps to Obtain an Apostille in Saint Kitts and Nevis:

1. Prepare Your Document:
   • The document you want to have apostilled must be an official or public document. Examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, notarial documents, court records, academic diplomas, and other government-issued documents.
   • If the document is not in English, you may need to have it translated into English before it can be apostilled, depending on the country where it will be used.
2. Notarization (if required):
   • If your document is a private document (e.g., a contract or agreement), it may need to be notarized by a notary public in Saint Kitts and Nevis before it can be apostilled.
3. Submit the Document to the Relevant Authority:
   • In Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Apostille is issued by the Attorney General’s Chambers, specifically through the Office of the Ministry of Justice. The office handles the apostille process for all public documents.
   • You can typically submit the document in person to the Ministry of Justice. You may also contact them to inquire if there are online services or submission through authorized representatives.
4. Required Documents for Apostille:
   • The original document to be apostilled.
   • A valid identification (passport or national ID card).
   • If a third party is submitting the request on your behalf, they will need to provide a notarized power of attorney or written authorization from you.
5. Apostille Process:
   • Once your document is submitted, the Ministry of Justice will verify the document and then affix the apostille. The apostille is a certificate that authenticates the document for use in another Hague Convention country.
   • The apostille is usually a stamp or certificate attached to the document that confirms its authenticity.
6. Fees:
   • The fee for obtaining an apostille in Saint Kitts and Nevis is generally affordable, with the cost ranging between EC$ 30 to EC$ 100 (East Caribbean Dollars) depending on the type of document and the processing time.
7. Receiving the Apostilled Document:
   • After the apostille is attached, you can either pick up the apostilled document in person, or, depending on the submission process, the document can be mailed back to you.

Important Notes:

• Translation: If the document is in a foreign language, it may need to be translated into English before it can be apostilled.
• Hague Convention Countries: The apostille is applicable only for countries that are signatories of the Hague Convention. For countries outside the Hague Convention, consular legalization will be necessary instead of an apostille.
• Legalization vs. Apostille: For countries that are not part of the Hague Convention, consular legalization will need to be done through the embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be used.

By following these steps, your document will be recognized internationally in other Hague Convention countries once it has been apostilled.