Apostille Moldova

Apostille Stamp – Guide to Document Apostille



🏛️ Apostille Moldova

The special Apostille stamp came into effect in the Republic of Moldova on March 16, 2007. This stamp eliminates the requirement for legalization of foreign documents in Moldova and Moldovan documents abroad. This stamp is used by member states of the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 “On Apostille”. In other words, the Convention abolishes the requirement for consular legalization of documents in the country of their origin.

An Apostille is a special inscription or seal affixed to official documents for their legalization in other countries. The Apostille is based on the Hague Convention on Apostille of Documents of October 5, 1961. Since then, apostilled documents are recognized and accepted without additional legalization procedures in the member states of this convention.

🔑 Key Definitions for Apostille

Apostille Moldova

This is the procedure for certifying official documents issued in Moldova for their international recognition. The procedure is carried out in accordance with the 1961 Hague Convention and makes the document valid in all member states.

Apostille Stamp

This is a standardized form (in Moldova — the electronic e-Apostille certificate) that confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity of the person who signed the document, and the seal of the institution. **The Apostille stamp** does not confirm the content of the document itself.

Apostille Moldova

This is the process of obtaining an apostille. **Apostille in Moldova** is a one-step procedure that is entirely under the authority of the Ministry of Justice.

Apostille Ministry of Justice

In the Republic of Moldova, **Apostille at the Ministry of Justice** is the only possible way to legalize documents through apostille. The Ministry of Justice is the sole competent authority for this procedure.

⚖️ Apostille vs. Consular Legalization: What is the Difference?

Criterion Apostille Consular Legalization
For which countries Countries party to the Hague Convention (USA, EU, Canada, etc.) Countries not party to the Convention (UAE, China, Egypt, etc.)
Process One step: only Apostille at the Ministry of Justice of Moldova. Multi-stage: Ministry of Justice → MFAEI → Consulate of the destination country.
Speed Fast (from 1 hour to 5 days). Slow (from several weeks to months).
Cost Relatively inexpensive (fixed state fee). Significantly more expensive (fees at each stage).
Result A single standard stamp (in Moldova – an e-Apostille sheet). Multiple different stamps and seals from all authorities.

📖 Apostille Text Samples

Romanian (Original)

APOSTILĂ
(Convenția de la Haga din 5 octombrie 1961)

  1. Țara: REPUBLICA MOLDOVA
    Prezentul act public
  2. a fost semnat de ………………………………….
  3. în calitate de …………………………….
  4. poartă sigiliul/ștampila ……………………
    Certificat
  5. la ………………………. 6. data de …………………….
  6. de către Ministerul Justiției al Republicii Moldova
  7. sub nr. …………………………………………
  8. Sigiliu/ștampilă: 10. Semnătura:
    ……………………………. …………………………

Comment: The original apostille text in the official language of the Republic of Moldova.

Russian (Translation)

APOSTILLE
(Hague Convention of 5 October 1961)

  1. Country: REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
    This public document
  2. has been signed by …………………….
  3. acting in the capacity of …………………….
  4. bears the seal/stamp of ……………………
    Certified
  5. at ………………………. 6. (date) …….
  6. by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova
  7. under No …………………………………….
  8. Seal/stamp: 10. Signature:
    ……………………………. …………………………

Comment: Translation of the Moldovan apostille into Russian.

French (Translation)

APOSTILLE
(Hague Convention of 5 October 1961)

  1. Country: RÉPUBLIQUE DE MOLDAVIE
    This public document
  2. has been signed by ………………………………….
  3. acting in the capacity of …………………………….
  4. bears the seal/stamp of ……………………
    Certified
  5. at ………………………. 6. on …………………….
  6. by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova
  7. under No …………………………………………
  8. Seal/stamp: 10. Signature:
    ……………………………. …………………………

Comment: Translation of the Moldovan apostille into French.

English (Translation)

APOSTILLE
(Hague Convention of 5 October 1961)

  1. Country: REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
    This public document
  2. has been signed by ………………………………….
  3. acting in the capacity of …………………………….
  4. bears the seal/stamp of ……………………
    Certified
  5. at ………………………. 6. on …………………….
  6. by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova
  7. under No …………………………………………
  8. Seal/stamp: 10. Signature:
    ……………………………. …………………………

Comment: Translation of the Moldovan apostille into English.

📍Apostille at the Ministry of Justice of Moldova: Competence and Documents

The only authorized body for apostille in Moldova is the Ministry of Justice.

Detailed list of documents for apostille:

  • Civil status acts: Birth, marriage, divorce, death, name/surname change, adoption certificates; extracts from acts.
  • All types of education documents:
    • Secondary education certificate (Atestat de studii medii de cultură generală).
    • Bachelor’s Diploma (Diplomă de Bacalaureat).
    • Higher education diploma (Licentiate) (Diplomă de studii superioare de licență) and its supplement (supliment la diplomă).
    • Master’s Diploma (Diplomă de Master) and its supplement.
    • Doctor of Science Diploma (Diplomă de Doctor).
    • Diploma of Secondary Vocational/Technical Education (Diplomă de studii profesionale/secundare profesionale).
    • Professional Qualification Certificate (Certificat de calificare profesională).
    • Academic Transcript / Grade Report (Foaie matricolă / Adeverință academică).
  • Notarial Acts: Powers of attorney, applications, declarations, notarized copies.
  • Judicial Acts: Court decisions, verdicts, rulings.
  • Legal Entity Documents: Extract from the State Register (Extras), Certificate of Registration (notarized copy), Founding Documents (notarized copy).
  • Other Official Documents: Criminal record certificates, employment history certificates (CNAS), medical certificates, archive certificates.

💡 Practical Challenges and “Tricky Cases”

  • Case 1: Belarus and the “Extra” Apostille.
    • Theory: The Minsk Convention, which abolishes the apostille, is in effect between Moldova and Belarus.
    • Practice: Some Belarusian institutions (banks, universities) are unaware of the convention or have internal regulations requiring a “document with an apostille.”
    • Solution: Arguing and proving your case by referencing the convention can be lengthy and fruitless. It is simpler and faster to accommodate the request and obtain an apostille.
  • Case 2: Italy and Double Translation.
    • Practice: Often, a notarized translation done in Moldova is insufficient for Italy. Italian authorities require the already apostilled document to be re-translated in Italy by an accredited translator (traduttore giurato).
  • Case 3: Spain and Sworn Translators.
    • Practice: Similar to Italy, Spain only trusts its own sworn translators (Traductor-Intérprete Jurado). A translation done in Moldova will most likely not be accepted.

🌐 Electronic Apostille (e-Apostille) Worldwide: Who Uses It and How to Verify

Moldova is part of the advanced international e-Apostille Program (e-APP), which allows for online verification of an apostille’s authenticity.

Country Online Verification Website (e-Register)
Moldova apostila.gov.md/ro/check
New Zealand apostille.dia.govt.nz
Spain sede.mjusticia.gob.es (section “Consulta de la Apostilla”)
Colombia cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/apostilla_legalizacion_en_linea
Brazil cnj.jus.br/poder-judiciario/relacoes-internacionais/apostila-da-haia
Georgia apostille.gov.ge
Belgium e-legalisation.diplomatie.be
Kazakhstan apostille.gov.kz
USA Decentralized. Verification depends on the state that issued the apostille. Search for “apostille verification [state name]”.

ℹ️ Special Case: Documents from Transnistria (PMR)

Documents issued by the authorities of the unrecognized PMR cannot be apostilled directly. You must obtain their Moldovan equivalents.

🗺️ Types of Legalization for Different Countries

Countries for which APOSTILLE IS NOT REQUIRED

  • CIS: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine.
  • Countries with bilateral agreements: Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Czech Republic.

Countries requiring an APOSTILLE

  • Examples: All EU countries (except those listed above), USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Turkey, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Slovakia, etc.

Countries requiring CONSULAR LEGALIZATION

  • Examples: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Thailand, Vietnam, Iran.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which documents CANNOT be apostilled?

  1. Passports and identity cards.
  2. Documents issued by diplomatic or consular missions.
  3. Commercial and customs documents (invoices, contracts).
  4. Laminated documents.
  5. Documents with uncertified corrections.

What is the validity period of an apostille?

The “Apostille” stamp itself **has no expiration date**. However, the document itself may have an expiration date.

What to do if the apostille has already been affixed, but there is an error in the document?

You need to obtain a new, corrected document and go through the apostille procedure again.

What to do if I am abroad and the document does not have an apostille?

You can issue a notarized power of attorney at the Moldovan consulate or from a local notary (with subsequent legalization/apostille of this power of attorney) for a representative in Moldova (a relative, friend, or specialized agency). This representative will be able to submit documents for apostille on your behalf.

Can an apostille be affixed to documents of the old (Soviet) format?

**No.** An apostille is not affixed to documents issued before August 24, 1991. You need to obtain a duplicate of the new format.

Can an apostille be affixed to a copy of a document?

An apostille is **not** affixed to a regular photocopy. However, in Moldova, an apostille can be affixed to a **notarized copy** of a document. It is important to understand that in this case, the apostille certifies the signature and seal of the notary, not the authenticity of the original document itself. Some countries may not accept such a document and may require an apostille on the original.

Can an apostille be affixed to company documents in Moldova?

**Yes, it can.** The Ministry of Justice affixes an apostille to official documents of legal entities issued by the Public Services Agency (ASP), as well as to notarized copies of founding documents.

🔗 Official links and legislation