Eesti Firma has been providing company registration services in Estonia for over 10 years. During this time, we have gained extensive experience and skills in corporate law and the administration of different entities and enterprises. We are proud to help our clients not only start a business but also ensure its successful operation and growth.
In this article, we will explain how to apostille corporate documents in Estonia. You will learn what an apostille is and why it is necessary for the international recognition of your papers. You will also find out which countries do not require an apostille for documents issued in Estonia, significantly simplifying international interactions.
Why is an Apostille Needed?
Many of our clients, having opened their business in Estonia, need corporate documents, such as charters, registry extracts, or shareholder meeting minutes. These papers are often required for submission to government agencies, banks, or payment systems in other countries.
One crucial aspect of a company’s operations is obtaining and certifying corporate files for their seamless use abroad. We assist our clients in obtaining and apostilling registration documents, including Commercial Register extracts, charters, founding acts, and other papers of Estonian companies.
What is an Apostille?
To have the registry documents of Estonian companies accepted and recognized in foreign countries, they must be apostilled. An apostille confirms the authenticity of signatures and seals on papers and is an internationally recognized standard of legalization.
An apostille is a special stamp or certificate placed on official papers to ensure their recognition in other countries. Document apostilling in Estonia is regulated by the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, which this European country joined in 2001.
Apostilling Corporate Documents
What needs to be done to legalize your company’s papers?
Corporate documents such as registry extracts, company charters, shareholder meeting minutes, and others can be apostilled in Estonia for use in foreign countries. The apostilling process includes verifying the authenticity of the signature, seal, and the status of the person who signed the document.
This is particularly important for companies planning to expand their activities abroad or engage in business relationships with foreign partners. Apostille ensures the legal validity of papers in countries that have joined the Hague Convention, greatly facilitating international interaction and cooperation.
The procedure for apostilling founding papers is similar to that for other types of extracts and falls under the competence of the Estonian Ministry of Justice, which has delegated apostille legalization authority to local notaries. To obtain an apostille, you must provide the original papers to a notary and pay the state fee. After the apostille is affixed, the corporate document will be recognized as valid in all Hague Convention member countries without the need for additional legalization.
Which Countries Do Not Require an Apostille?
Documents issued in Estonia do not require an apostille if they are to be used in the following countries: Belgium, Ireland, Italy, France, and Denmark. These countries have signed the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents among member states of the European Communities, simplifying the process of using official documents between these countries. Thus, citizens and legal entities can freely exchange papers without the need for additional legalization, saving time and resources.
Additionally, an apostille is not required for documents used in the following countries: Russia (valid until mid-2025), Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Poland. Our country has bilateral agreements with these countries, also facilitating the process of document recognition and use. This creates favorable conditions for international cooperation and strengthens mutual ties between countries.
Eesti Firma: Our Services
We offer services for obtaining and apostilling corporate documents
Eesti Firma provides services for obtaining certified copies of corporate extracts from the Commercial Register, translating them into foreign languages, and further apostilling.
We take care of all the hassles involved in this process, including:
• Submitting a request for obtaining certified copies of corporate data
• Paying the state fee for obtaining extracts
• Checking the correctness of data
• Submitting documents for apostille to the competent authorities
• Receiving apostilled papers and delivering them to the client
Our experienced specialists ensure the prompt and quality execution of all necessary procedures, so your corporate documents are recognized as valid in other countries. Contact us, and we will assist you in addressing issues related to the proper documentation of founding papers.
Contact Us
Get a quote today!
If you have any questions about apostilling corporate documents in Estonia or wish to use our services, please contact us. Our specialists are ready to answer all your questions and help you with obtaining and apostilling corporate documents.
We look forward to working with you and helping to make the process of obtaining corporate papers simple and efficient. Our team of professionals is always ready to offer you a personalized approach and prompt solutions to any issues related to the documentation and receipt of necessary data.
