Apostille and consular legalization of documents in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Apostille and consular Legalization of foreign documents

Schmidt & Schmidt covers the full spectrum of legalization services for documents issued in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Hague Convention on the Simplified Authentication of Documents on 23 August 1993; the Convention entered into force on 6 March 1992.

The apostille, or the “Hague apostille” is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document (e.g., a birth, marriage or death certificate, a judgment, an extract of a register or a notarial attestation). It confirms the authenticity of the signature and the authority of an official who signed the public document.

Documents issued in Bosnia and Herzegovina are certified with an apostille in accordance with the Hague Convention of 1961 are recognized in all Member States of the Hague Convention and do not require any other form of certification, such as consular legalization, which considerably reduces the costs and time required for the certification of documents. So far, more than 120 states have joined the Convention.

The apostille is not sufficient for use in the states that are not party to the Hague Convention. In this case, consular legalization applies to a public document.

Bosnian civil status documents and certificates of no impediment for marriage issued in accordance with the CIEC Convention following the International multilingual model are exempt from legalization in any form. More.

Designated Competent Apostille Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the designated competent authorities are the following:

The apostillation fee is subject to variation based on the total number of documents requested by the applicant.

The apostille in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a square stamp in the language of an issuing country with the obligatory heading "Apostille" and a reference to the 1961 Hague Convention in French (Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961). The apostille certificate’s sides will be at least 9 centimeters long.

Types of documents

Apostille in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Specific aspects and document requirements for the apostille in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the 120 countries that recognize and issue apostilles in accordance with the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961. The apostille serves as a confirmation of the official status of a document.

The apostille process can vary depending on the sender and recipient country, but typically to obtain an apostille for a document in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must go through the following steps:

This process can be time-consuming, especially if it includes multiple documents and different countries. To ensure a smooth and accurate apostille process, it is recommended to seek guidance from specialists familiar with the requirements and procedures. Their expertise can help avoid delays and errors in obtaining documents apostille.

Document requirements that might apply:

The apostille is issued in a uniform format. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it has the form of a printed sticker with a handwritten signature of an official, an official seal, and a hologram.

In cases where apostilles are not recognized, holders of foreign documents will need to legalize them instead. However, If the country of destination of the document recognizes and issues apostilles, then legalization is unnecessary.

If you require new original documents, the information here will help you.

Legalization of Bosnian educational documents for use abroad

In order for educational documents issued in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as school reports, university degree certificates, transcripts of records, enrollment certificates, and other certificates from schools or universities, to be valid and recognized abroad, they must undergo a process of certification through legalization or apostille.

The procedure typically involves authentication by the competent authority, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (varies by country and document type), and authentication by the embassy of the destination country. It's important to note that authentication confirms the authenticity of the signature, not the content of the qualification.

Recognition of the authenticity of public documents within the EU

Multilingual documents (under CIEC Convention)

Civil status certificates and certificates of marriageability, which are issued by one of the contracting states according to the model of the Convention of the International Commission (CIEC Convention) for Civil and Civil Status Affairs (CIEC), are exempt from any formality in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Contracting states of the Vienna CIEC Convention of 08.09.1976 (issuance of multilingual extracts from civil status registers: birth, marriage, and death certificate) are:

Regulation on public documents (EU) 2016/1191 of 6 July 2016

Furthermore, Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 of 6 July 2016 on public documents simplifies the circulation of certain public documents that must be presented in an EU Member State and have been issued in another EU Member State, thus exempting public documents from the confirmation of authenticity with the Apostille with the aim of reducing administrative burden and costs for citizens.

Consular legalization of Bosnian documents for use abroad

Consular legalization is the process of authenticating or certifying a legal document so a foreign country's legal system will recognize it as with full legal effect that is carried out by the diplomatic or consular mission of the country in which the document is to be used.

This procedure is required when the destination country does not recognize or accept the apostille certification. One needs to submit the original document, along with any required copies or supporting materials, to the respective consular office. The consular officials will review the document, verify its authenticity, and affix their seal or stamp to certify its validity.

The consular legalization process may require additional steps like obtaining translations of the document into the language of the destination country or providing additional supporting documentation as requested by the consular office.

It is up to the diplomatic mission to decide about the authentication procedure
The specific requirements and procedures for consular legalization may vary depending on the regulations of the destination country.

The main differences between an apostille and consular legalization of documents

The common feature between apostille and consular legalization is that they authenticate an official document for presentation to institutions in another country. However, they have many differences.

Apostille Consular legalization
Legal effect Can be used in all countries that are party to the Hague Convention on the Simplified Legalization of Documents. Use between States one or both of which is not a member of the Hague Convention, or where one of the contracting States has protested the accession of the other.
Difficulty Moderate. To obtain an apostille, contact the competent apostille authority of the state of origin of the document. High. For consular legalization, various inland authorities and a diplomatic mission of the state of destination must be involved.
Pre-certification Usually not required. Is obligatory.
Attestation at the state of destination embassy in the state of origin of the document No need to contact the Consulate of the country of destination. Is the final step of legalization.

Apostille and consular legalization in all cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Schmidt & Schmidt provides apostille and consular legalization services for public documents originating from all regions across Bosnia and Herzegovina. We handle the entire process, from document review to obtaining the necessary certifications, ensuring that your documents are valid and recognized internationally. With our reliable services, you can confidently use your Bosnian public documents abroad.

Procurement of documents from Bosnia and Herzegovina

If the important documents are lost or damaged, or current copies of the documents are needed, the re-issue of the documents is required. It is not unusual for people outside Bosnia and Herzegovina to encounter difficulties with obtaining new documents when abroad. Our consultants will help you procure new documents from Bosnia and Herzegovina remotely, and we can arrange for your documents to be sent by courier anywhere in the world.

Certified translation of documents from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Copies and transcripts of civil status documents can be translated into any language by a sworn translator in Bosnia or the translation can be done in the country of destination. We offer certified translations of civil status documents with further certification. The cost of the work is calculated according to the volume of the document in question.

Does the translation have to be apostillized?

Any foreign document issued in one country and used in another country must be legalized for use abroad. Therefore, the authenticity of a certified translation from Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to be certified by an apostille. Consequently, many authorities may not accept certified translations from Bosnia if the translation has not been properly authenticated in Bosnia and Herzegovina for use abroad. To avoid this confusion, translations should better be made in the state of the destination of the document.

Price of apostille and consular legalization of documents from abroad

We offer a wide range of services and supplies related to the legalization of documents to suit all your needs. If you have a tight budget or need to have your documents legalized in record time, we can find a suitable solution. The deadline begins with the receipt of your documents.

Document procurement

The service includes :

Due dates : from 14 working days

from 142,80€

incl. German VAT 19%

Price excl. VAT from 120€

Apostille and consular legalization

Apostille and consular legalization for document from abroad

The service includes :

Due dates : from 7 working days

from 166,60€

incl. German VAT 19%

Price excl. VAT from 140€

Certified translation

Certified translation of documents into foreign language

Due dates : from 2 working days

from 71,40€

incl. German VAT 19%

Price excl. VAT from 60€

Express delivery of documents with apostille from abroad is charged separately according to the rates of delivery services.

The following documents can be legalized with an apostille and consular legalization:

Personal documents

Educational documents

Commercial Documents

Medical Documents

Procedure for legalization and apostille of documents

Send us your request online

1. Send us your request online

Send us a request with a copy of your documents by email or via a special form on the website. We will examine your documents and let you know whether legalization is possible, as well as information on the costs and conditions of the procedure. We will need some time to complete the initial review. We will contact you as soon as we have all the necessary information.

2. Send us the documents and make the payment

2. Send us the documents and make the payment

It is not necessary to make an appointment or visit our office. Simply send us your documents by courier service and pay the amount due online. If necessary, we are always ready to answer further questions by e-mail or telephone.

3. Wait

3. Wait

The legalization of documents will take some time. Our experts work quickly and efficiently because they know their stuff well. As soon as the documents are ready, we will inform you.

Receive your documents

4. Receive your documents

As soon as the documents are legalized, we will send them to you by courier service worldwide. Our company also offers you translation services.

Customer reviews

06 September 2024

Kanada ve Hollanda'dan birçok resmi belge için noter ve apostil onaylarını Schmidt & Schmidt aracılığıyla aldik. Bilgesu Hanim işini çok iyi yapıyor. Her sorumuza vakit ayırıp detaylı cevap verdi. Tüm aşamaları takip etti ve bizimle irtibat halindeydi. İşlemler çok hızlı bir sekilde sorunsuz tamamlandı. Yardımlarınız için çok teşekkürler.

04 September 2024

I really enjoy the service. It was easy to agree on all details online. I received all the documents translated and registered within a month. Thanks

26 August 2024 great professionals!

What is an apostille?

What is an apostille? Why do I need an apostille? How do I get an apostille? - Our video will explain everything you need to know about the apostille. If you have a document that needs to be certified with an apostille for use abroad, Schmidt and Schmidt will assist you! We provide apostille services in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Frequently asked questions about Legalization and Apostille

1. What is legalization of documents and what is it needed for?

Legalization of a document is a process, which allows to legitimate the document issued in one country for its usage in another. It means, if you want to submit a document, issued in one country, to authorities in a target country, the document must primarily prove its authenticity. Legalization confirms the authority of the issuing official as well as an authenticity of his signature and seal. Legalization is needed for official non-commercial documents.

2. How can the document be legalized for another country?

3. Is the legalization of the document always required?

No, not always. In some cases, countries can make bi- or multilateral agreements that completely revoke legalization of documents for their recognition in the member countries. For example, a CIEC convention from 1976 or bilateral treaties between Germany and Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Luxemburg, Austria and Switzerland.

Answers on the frequently asked questions about Legalization and Apostille

Certified translation

Certified translation

When foreign documents have to be presented to local authorities, a certified translation is required. These documents therefore must be translated and signed by a sworn translator and then certified by a notary, court or any other authority.

We work with qualified sworn translators and offer you certified translations of various documents such as contracts, extracts from commercial registers, court decisions and certificates into various languages.

The certified translations we offer will be recognized in more than 100 countries.

Procurement of documents worldwide

Procurement of documents worldwide

It often happens that personal documents are lost or damaged. Current copies of these documents are also sometimes required. In this case it is necessary to obtain documents again. Our service allows you to obtain documents remotely in more than 100 countries around the world. We can also legalize documents and deliver them by courier anywhere in the world.

Duplicate birth, marriage, name change, divorce or death certificates may be required to register a marriage abroad, register a newborn child, obtain citizenship or inheritance, data to apply for a pension confirm opening bank accounts and handling other bureaucratic matters.

Why clients choose us:

Guarantee

We ensure that our services are legally flawless and your documents will be accepted in the target country.

Courier Delivery

Your documents will be delivered in the shortest possible time.

Fixed Cost without Subscription

We include the cost of our services, government fees, and delivery in the price. You don't need to worry about additional expenses. Obtain an apostille or consular legalization of your documents without registration or subscription.

Easy and Secure Payment Options

You can pay for our services by bank transfer or via PayPal.

Confidential Customer Care

We guarantee secure and confidential handling of all types of data.

Proper Invoice

You will receive a proper invoice with detailed VAT, allowing you to claim input tax deduction.

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News

Pakistani authorities held a ceremony to join the Apostille Convention

Pakistani authorities held a ceremony to join the Apostille Convention

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry held a ceremony to mark the Islamic Republic's accession to the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention), Radio Pakistan reported.

23 August 2024

Ireland set to reform limited partnership register rules

Ireland set to reform limited partnership register rules

The Irish government has drafted legislation that will replace the current Limited Liability Partnership Act 1907 and the Registration of Business Names Act 1963 when it comes into force. It will expand the registrar's powers and introduce additional reporting and disclosure requirements, Irish Legal News reports.

15 August 2024

Bangladesh has joined the Apostille Convention

Bangladesh has joined the Apostille Convention

The authorities of the People's Republic of Bangladesh officially deposited their instruments of accession to the Convention of 5 October 1961 for the Abolition of the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, also known as the Apostille Convention, with the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) on July 29, 2024. The official website of the Hague Conference reports this.

31 July 2024

Three quarters of jurisdictions studied by FATF do not comply with anti-money laundering requirements in the field of virtual assets

Three quarters of jurisdictions studied by FATF do not comply with anti-money laundering requirements in the field of virtual assets

Three-quarters of national jurisdictions surveyed by the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) are partially or completely non-compliant with anti-money laundering guidelines for regulating virtual assets. This is stated in the Group's report.