Apostille in Cyprus: Where to Obtain It and for Which Documents

An apostille is an official stamp that certifies the authenticity of documents for use abroad. In Cyprus, the process of obtaining an apostille is governed by the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961. This article will cover where you can obtain an apostille in Cyprus, which documents require it, and the procedure for getting an apostille.

Where to Obtain an Apostille in Cyprus

The process of obtaining an apostille in Cyprus is handled by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, as well as Citizen Service Centers (ΚΕΠ). The main locations for obtaining an apostille include:

• Ministry of Justice and Public Order: Located at 125 Athalassas Avenue, 1461 Nicosia, Cyprus. Contact numbers: +357 22 805 998, +357 22 805 924, +357 22 805 967.
• District Courts: For example, the office of the District Court in Limassol is located at 21 Spyros Araouzos, 1st floor, 3036 Limassol. Contact numbers: +357 25 345 650, +357 25 345 651.

An apostille can also be obtained at Citizen Service Centers (ΚΕΠ) throughout the island. Addresses and contact information can be found on the Cyprus Ministry of Finance website.

Procedure for Apostille Certification

The process of obtaining an apostille in Cyprus involves several key steps:

1. Document Verification: Only originals or certified copies issued by competent authorities are eligible for apostille certification.
2. Document Submission: Documents are submitted to one of the designated locations for apostille certification.
3. Payment of Fee: A fee is required for obtaining an apostille. The service fee is €5 per document.
4. Receiving the Apostille: After verification and payment, the document is stamped with an apostille, confirming its authenticity.

Documents Eligible for Apostille Certification

An apostille can be affixed to various types of documents, including:

• Civil Status Documents: Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates.
• Educational Documents: Diplomas, certificates, transcripts from educational institutions.
• Notarial Documents: Powers of attorney, wills, affidavits.
• Judicial Documents: Court decisions, orders, verdicts.
• Official State Documents: Passports, identity cards.

For some documents, the apostille can only be applied to the original or a certified copy issued by a competent authority. For example, corporate documents like certificates of company registration require an original apostille.

Helpful Tips

1. Pre-Submission Check: Before submitting documents for apostille certification, ensure that all necessary information is correctly filled out and that the document contains no errors.
2. Processing Time: Check the processing time for obtaining an apostille, as it may take several days.
3. Document Translation: If your document is in a foreign language, ensure it is translated into English, Greek, or Turkish, and have the translation notarized.

Obtaining an apostille in Cyprus is a crucial procedure for legalizing documents for use abroad. The process involves submitting originals or certified copies of documents to the Ministry of Justice and Public Order or Citizen Service Centers and paying the required fee. An apostille can be affixed to a wide range of documents, including personal, educational, and official state documents. For a smooth process, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the requirements and procedures in advance to avoid delays or issues.

For more detailed information, you can contact the Ministry of Justice and Public Order of Cyprus and the Ministry of Finance of Cyprus.