If you have moved to Serbia from Russia or Ukraine and plan to work, study, or obtain local documents, you will likely need an apostille. Without it, Serbian authorities will not recognize documents such as diplomas, birth certificates, or marriage certificates. Below is up-to-date information on where and how to obtain an apostille, how much it costs, and how to properly translate documents into Serbian.
What is an Apostille and When is it Needed?
An apostille is an international stamp that confirms the authenticity of a document for use abroad. As a participant in the 1961 Hague Convention, Serbia only accepts documents with an apostille, without additional consular legalization.
An apostille is required if you:
- are applying for a residence permit, permanent residence, or citizenship;
- are getting a job (especially in government institutions or banks);
- are getting married or divorced;
- want to recognize a foreign diploma for work in your specialty;
- are registering as an entrepreneur or company.
Even a document notarized by a notary will not have legal force in Serbia without an apostille.
Where to Obtain an Apostille in Russia (Summer 2026)
In Russia, an apostille is issued by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation or its territorial bodies. For most documents (diplomas, certificates, court decisions), you need to contact the territorial department of the Ministry of Justice at the place of issue of the document.
Procedure for Individuals
- Preparation
- Submission of Application
- in person to the territorial department of the Ministry of Justice (e.g., in Moscow - st. Zhitnaya, 14);
- through a multifunctional center (MFC), if available in your region;
- by mail by registered letter with a notification.
- Terms and Cost
- standard term - 5 working days (urgent - 1 working day);
- cost - 2,500 rubles (standard), 5,000 rubles (urgent);
- for documents issued before 2015, additional verification is possible, the term increases to 10 days.
- Receipt
The apostille looks like a stamp on the back of the document or on a separate sheet; the stamp contains a unique number, date, and name of the issuing authority.
Documents Requiring an Apostille
- diplomas of higher and secondary vocational education;
- birth, marriage, divorce, death certificates;
- extracts from the work book;
- court decisions and verdicts;
- documents issued by notaries (powers of attorney, wills).
Exceptions
Documents issued by Russian consular institutions abroad and those that have already undergone consular legalization do not require an apostille.
Where to Obtain an Apostille in Ukraine (Summer 2026)
In Ukraine, an apostille is issued by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine or its territorial departments. The procedure is similar to the Russian one, but with its own nuances.
Procedure for Individuals
- Preparation
- Submission of Application
- in person to the territorial department of the Ministry of Justice (e.g., in Kyiv - st. Ryznytska, 10);
- through centers for the provision of administrative services (CPAU);
- by mail by registered letter with a notification.
- Terms and Cost
- standard term - 5 working days;
- urgent term - 1 working day (only in some departments);
- cost - 500 UAH (standard), 1,500 UAH (urgent);
- for documents issued before 2015, additional verification is possible.
- Receipt
The apostille is placed on the back of the document or on a separate sheet, contains a number, date, and name of the authority.
Documents Requiring an Apostille
- diplomas of higher and secondary education;
- birth, marriage, divorce, death certificates;
- extracts from the work book;
- court decisions;
- notarial acts.
Exceptions
Documents issued by Ukrainian consular institutions abroad and those that have already undergone consular legalization do not require an apostille.
Translation of Documents into Serbian
After obtaining an apostille, documents must be translated into Serbian. Only translations made by certified translators or bureaus accredited in Serbia are accepted.
How to Choose a Translator
- Certified Translators - a list of accredited specialists is available on the website of the Ministry of Justice of Serbia. Cost - from 5 to 20 EUR per page, term - from 1 to 3 working days.
- Translation Bureaus - large companies (Lingua-World, Lingua Franca) offer translation and notary certification. Price - from 10 to 30 EUR per page, term - from 1 day.
- Notary Certification - the translation must be certified by a notary in Serbia; cost - from 10 to 30 EUR (often included in the cost of the bureau).
Documents to be Translated
- diplomas and attachments to them;
- birth, marriage, divorce certificates;
- work books;
- court decisions;
- powers of attorney and other legal acts.
Where to Order Translation
- Belgrade: Lingua-World (Knyazya Milosha St., 1), Lingua Franca (Makedonska St., 22);
- Novi Sad: Translex (Zmay Yovina St., 15);
- Online: many bureaus accept scans via email.
Notary Certification in Serbia
The translated document with an apostille must be certified by a Serbian notary - a mandatory step for most procedures.
How to Certify Documents
- Preparation
- translation with apostille;
- passport or ID card;
- application for notary certification (sample from the notary).
- Submission
- in person with a notary (offices are located in private offices);
- service cost - from 10 to 50 EUR depending on complexity;
- term - on the same day or the next.
- Receipt
The notary puts a seal and signature, after which the document is ready for submission to Serbian authorities.
Where to Find a Notary
- Belgrade: Notary Chamber of Serbia (Knyazya Milosha St., 1);
- Novi Sad: Notary Chamber of Vojvodina (Zmay Yovina St., 10);
- Other Cities: a full list is available on the website of the Notary Chamber of Serbia.
Submission of Documents with Apostille to Serbian Institutions
After obtaining an apostille, translation, and notary certification, documents can be submitted to the relevant authorities. The procedure depends on the purpose of legalization.
Residence Permit and Permanent Residence
- Required Package: completed application, passport with apostille and translation, bank statement (proof of financial solvency), health insurance, rental or purchase agreement for housing.
- Where to Submit: police department at the place of residence (e.g., in Belgrade - Knyazya Milosha St., 109).
- State Fee: 150 EUR (residence permit), 200 EUR (permanent residence).
- Consideration Period: up to 30 days.
Employment
- Documents: diploma with apostille and translation, work book with apostille, certificate from the employer (if necessary).
- Where to Submit: HR department of the enterprise or to the MUP (Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Policy) for obtaining a work permit.
Important: apostille and translation must be valid at the time of submission; otherwise, authorities may request repeated legalization.
This guide reflects the situation as of summer 2026. If questions arise during the process, clarify details with the relevant institutions. Good luck with legalization!