Apostille and Ukrainian translation: how to legalize documents for the compensation claim

Any document issued outside Ukraine must have an apostille and official Ukrainian translation before Ukrainian authorities will accept it. This step is mandatory and can take weeks if not planned ahead.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is an official certification that authenticates a public document for use in another country. It is based on the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, to which over 120 countries are party, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, most EU countries, and many Latin American nations.

An apostille does not translate the document or certify its content — it only certifies that the signature and seal of the official who issued it are genuine.

Which documents need apostille?

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates issued outside Ukraine
• Court rulings (guardianship, adoption, divorce)
• Powers of attorney granted outside Ukraine
• Any public document to be presented before Ukrainian authorities

Where to obtain the apostille

Sworn Ukrainian translation

Once apostilled, the document must be translated into Ukrainian by a certified translator. The sworn translation must include a complete translation of all text, seals, and signatures, plus the translator's signature, stamp, and in some cases notarization of the translator's signature.

Correct order of the process

1. Obtain the original document from the relevant registry
2. Request the apostille from the competent authority in the issuing country
3. Commission a sworn Ukrainian translation from a certified translator
4. Notarize the translator's signature if required
5. Submit the complete set (original + apostille + translation) with the claim

A common mistake is translating the document before apostilling it. The correct order is always: apostille first, then translation.

Total time estimate

The complete legalization process can take between 4 and 12 weeks depending on the country and document type. Legado de Valor advises on managing these formalities and can coordinate with certified Ukrainian translators.