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Apostille in Kazakhstan: professional authentication of documents for their legal use abroad
We provide a full range of apostille services in Kazakhstan, including document preparation, authentication, and support for legal use of documents abroad
The concept and legal nature of an apostille
In international private law, an apostille is a regulated form of certification of official documents, in force under the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Consular Legalization (1961). The term derives from the French " apostille," which means a marginal note on a document. However, in legal practice, it is a fully-fledged attribute that grants a document cross-border jurisdiction.
Legal significance of an apostille:
An apostille has a strictly defined purpose and a limited scope of application. It performs the following functions:
Legal significance of an apostille:
An apostille has a strictly defined purpose and a limited scope of application. It performs the following functions:
- Certification: Confirms the authenticity of the signature of the official who issued the document.
- Legitimation: Establishes the legitimacy of the authority of the person who signed the document (i.e., that the person actually had the right to sign).
- Verification: Confirms the identity of the seal or stamp that affixes to the document.
Authorized bodies for affixing apostille in the Republic of Kazakhstan: who is responsible for what?
The 1961 Hague Convention requires each member state to designate a list of authorities authorized to issue apostilles (the so-called "competent authorities"). In Kazakhstan, this function is distributed not geographically, but by department: the type of document determines which ministry or department should be contacted. This system ensures maximum reliability, as the apostille is issued by the authority that can promptly verify the authenticity of the signature and seal on its "original" document.
Below is a complete list of authorized bodies, taking into account the latest reorganization of the state apparatus.
Below is a complete list of authorized bodies, taking into account the latest reorganization of the state apparatus.
The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its territorial Departments
What documents does it apostille?
- Documents issued by the Civil Registry Office (birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, death certificates, name change certificates).
- Notarial acts (powers of attorney, wills, copies of documents certified by a notary, constituent documents of a limited liability company, translated and certified by a notary).
- Documents issued by the justice authorities themselves (for example, certificates of the presence/absence of a criminal record issued by the Committee on Legal Statistics, although they are actually issued by the prosecutor's office, but apostille can be carried out through authorized justice authorities as part of interdepartmental exchange).• Archival certificates and copies issued by state archives.
- Documents confirming registration of civil status acts issued by foreign institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (consulates).
This is the largest and most sought-after authorized body. It issues the largest volume of apostilles, as it oversees key civil status and notarial documents.
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan
Ministry of Science and Higher Education:
Ministry of Education:
- Apostilles documents on higher and postgraduate education (bachelor's, master's, and PhD diplomas issued by universities and academies).
Ministry of Education:
- Apostilles documents on secondary education (school, gymnasium, and lyceum completion certificates).
- Documents on technical and vocational education (college diplomas).
In 2022, the unified Ministry of Education and Science was split into two agencies. This also entailed a delineation of authority over apostille issuance.
Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
What documents does it apostille?
- Vehicle registration certificates (registration certificates).
- Driver's licenses.
- Documents from the address and reference service (certificates of registration at the place of residence).
- Certificates of no criminal record (if issued by the Ministry of Defence)
This agency is responsible for apostilling documents related to the registration of individuals and vehicles.
Judicial Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan
What documents does it apostille?
- Judicial acts (decisions, sentences, orders, court rulings).
- Writs of execution.
- Copies of court documents certified by the court.
This body is authorized to affix an apostille to documents originating from the judicial system.
Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan
What documents does it apostille?
- Rehabilitation documents.
- Some categories of certificates generated by the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Accounting.
Prosecution authorities apostille documents that are within their exclusive jurisdiction.
Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan
What documents does it apostille?
- Military ID cards.
- Identity cards of military personnel.
- Archival certificates from military units and military registration and enlistment offices.
- Documents on military service.
Apostilles documents related to military service and military registration.
Other authorized bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Hague Convention also grants the right to issue apostille to agencies that issue documents of a strictly sectoral nature:
- Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Customs service documents, fiscal documents (confirming payment of taxes for export abroad), real estate registration documents (previously under the jurisdiction of the Justice Department, but now, given the reorganization of the Government, this function may be transferred to the Ministry of Finance or the State Property Committee).
- Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Documents related to the archival fund (if the archive is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture), as well as documents on media registration.
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan: In some cases apostilles documents related to medical reports (if they are issued centrally, for example, for adoption), but more often medical documents require notarization and then an apostille from the Ministry of Justice.
Since 2021, an important rule has been in effect in Kazakhstan, significantly simplifying the lives of citizens:
The principle of extraterritoriality: You have the right to submit documents for apostille to any authorized body or public service center, regardless of where you live and where the document was issued.
The principle of extraterritoriality: You have the right to submit documents for apostille to any authorized body or public service center, regardless of where you live and where the document was issued.
Apostille Service Fees
Legal entity documents
from 50 000 ₸
per document
Personal documents
from 65 000 ₸
per document
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Our professional liability is insured by JSC IC "NOMAD Insurance"
(Contract No. 207-25-14142055/811884DS).
Insurance coverage includes:
The insurance applies during the provision of professional services requiring special knowledge and qualifications.
(Contract No. 207-25-14142055/811884DS).
Insurance coverage includes:
- Compensation for harm caused to life and/or health
- Compensation for damage caused to the property of third parties
The insurance applies during the provision of professional services requiring special knowledge and qualifications.
Insurance Policy
Apostille in Kazakhstan – professional confirmation of the authenticity of documents for their legal use abroad
We provide a full range of document apostille services in Kazakhstan, ensuring professional confirmation of their authenticity for legal use abroad. Our specialists support you at every stage of the process, guaranteeing fast and high-quality apostille processing in accordance with international legal requirements.
Madina
Head of the Legal Department, expert in LLP registration and business support
Aneliya
The chief lawyer is a professional with deep knowledge of Kazakhstani legislation
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Aniya
A lawyer is your reliable assistant in matters of business registration and management
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Important points
What is the difference between an apostille and consular legalization?
Who can submit documents for an apostille on your behalf: power of attorney and rules for sub-delegation?
Documents exempt from apostille: a detailed analysis
Is it possible to obtain an apostille for a document from another country?
Apostille on a copy of a document: original or duplicate?
Apostille from Abroad: Three Working Methods for Kazakhstanis
Current deadlines for apostille in 2026
What documents do not require an apostille?
Electronic apostille in Kazakhstan: what it is and how to verify its authenticity
Electronic Apostille: Is it possible to obtain a paper copy with a "live" seal?
Document with Defects: What to Do If the Paper Is Damaged but an Apostille Is Needed?
Disclaimer
All service pricing and information provided on vitaliberta.kz are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a public offer under Article 395 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
While the website has been prepared with due regard to current legislation and relevant case law, LLP “Vita Liberta” does not guarantee the absolute accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content. For definitive guidance, please consult with our team directly.
All service pricing and information provided on vitaliberta.kz are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a public offer under Article 395 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
While the website has been prepared with due regard to current legislation and relevant case law, LLP “Vita Liberta” does not guarantee the absolute accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content. For definitive guidance, please consult with our team directly.