The notarized translation of documents (legalization) of a company includes several specific formal procedures for making a document valid in another country. The fundamental rule of legalization is that a sworn translator shall only perform it in an issuing or executing country.

The legalization of documents issued in one country aims to make them valid and appropriate for another country’s state bodies.

Apostille

Apostille is an international certificate, comparable to notarization in domestic law, suitable for presentation on the territory of countries that recognize this form of legalization. Apostille stamp is placed on originals and copies of documents.

The Apostille is sufficient to confirm the document’s validity if the agreement is applied between two countries. It eliminates the need for double certification by the sending country and then by the receiving country.

Most European countries do not need an Apostille and only require sworn translations of corporate documents.

You do not need to an Apostille in the following countries due to the existence of a legal aid agreement with Estonia:

• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Russia
• Ukraine

e-Apostille

From 1 December 2017, the register of e-apostilles and the accompanying self-service portal becomes operational at notar-intra.rik.ee/apostille .

The new service facilitates applying for, issuing, and checking apostilles and the circulation of documents between countries.

The service allows you to send documents over digitally with no need to physically present at a notary. The notary signs the e-apostille digitally, and there is no need to download any additional programs to be able to open the documents in the register.

The package of documents consisting of whether non-apostilled/apostilled documents with sworn translations in English will allow you to apply for opening an account with a foreign bank for your Estonian company or carry out transactions on behalf of the Estonian company in other countries.