STEP-BY-STEP ROUTE · TRANSLATIONS, NOTARY & DOCUMENTS
Apostille and legalisation
Ask the receiving institution whether it needs an original, copy or translation and whether a treaty exemption applies.
Free step-by-step guide
This guide is based on official sources. Requirements, forms and local procedures may change, so open the link in the relevant step and check the current version before filing.
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01Identify the issuing and receiving countries
What to do
Ask the receiving institution whether it needs an original, copy or translation and whether a treaty exemption applies. Do not order an apostille automatically: requirements depend on both countries and the document.
Where to go
Receiving institution; competent authority in the issuing country
What to prepare
- Document name, issuing country and intended use
02Obtain an apostille in the issuing country
What to do
For a foreign document, use the competent authority in its issuing country, not a Serbian notary. For a Serbian public document destined for a country covered by the applicable Hague Convention regime, contact the competent basic court.
Where to go
Issuing-country apostille authority; in Serbia, the competent osnovni sud
What to prepare
- Original document or an accepted certified version
- Identification and fee under the authority's instructions
03Complete full legalisation where needed
What to do
If no treaty exemption applies and apostille is unavailable, confirm full legalisation. For an ordinary Serbian public document the chain is court, Justice Ministry, Foreign Ministry and the receiving country's mission; certain issuing authorities follow special rules.
Where to go
Competent authorities and receiving-country consulate
What to prepare
- Document with sequential authentications
- Consular requirements and payment evidence
04Arrange translation of the authenticated package
What to do
After choosing the correct document form, agree translation requirements with the recipient. Serbian submissions generally require a Serbian court-certified translation including authentication endorsements. Check whether the translation itself needs authentication for use abroad.
Where to go
Court interpreter; receiving institution
What to prepare
- Authenticated original and certified translation
Translation and filing
Translation and certification
Before translating a foreign-issued record, ask the receiving institution whether it needs a Serbian translation by a court-certified translator (sudski tumač), whether an apostille/legalization is required, and in which order. Requirements differ by country and document. An ordinary or automatic translation is not a certified translation when certification is required.
What happens next
File only through the confirmed method. Keep a copy of the submission, case/application number and proof of receipt. Ask how to check status, when to expect a reply and what to do if more information is requested.
Document overview and case variants
What may be required
- Document name, issuing country and intended use
- Original document or an accepted certified version
- Identification and fee under the authority's instructions
- Document with sequential authentications
- Consular requirements and payment evidence
- Authenticated original and certified translation
Compare this list with the documents in each step and the chosen authority's requirements. You can read the guide and prepare the package yourself without submitting a request.
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Route, official sources, preliminary document list and a clear next step.
Work completed in the specimen case:
- Prepared: Completed document legalisation enquiry
- Prepared: Completed legalisation handoff sheet
- Provide the original and obtain authorised confirmations.
- Confirm the applicable procedure for the specific document.
Open the full specimen, copy its text or download the document. Required authority forms follow that institution’s rules; certification is performed by an authorised professional.
Package contents and review sheet · How to use the prepared output
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