In Finland, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto) has been officially designated as the competent authority for issuing apostilles. This information has been published on the official portal of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
How apostille certification in Finland is carried out
As of today, the competent authority officially authorized to issue apostilles is the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto), which was established through the merger of the Population Register Centre and local registration offices that previously performed notarial functions.
The Agency has formally informed the Hague Conference that:
- It receives individuals and organizations from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
- The fee for an apostille is set at €38.
- Inquiries regarding document legalisation may be directed by phone or by email.
Few other countries provide such detailed information about their apostille procedures on the Hague Conference’s website.
Recent сhanges in apostille authorities worldwide
As previously reported by Schmidt & Schmidt a number of countries have recently changed the authorities and officials authorized to carry out the legalization of documents for use abroad. For instance, the Colombian authorities have granted the power to authenticate documents to the Ambassador and the Head of Operations within the Apostille and Legalization Coordination Office.
The government of Andorra has extended apostille powers to the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as to the Director of International Legal Affairs and Human Resources.
In turn, the political leadership of Venezuela has authorized the Director General of the Directorate of Consular Affairs and the Coordinator of the Legalization and Apostille Sector of the Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs to authenticate documents by means of apostille.
The authorities of Uzbekistan have authorized regional justice departments to issue apostilles.
In Uruguay, the General Directorate of Consular Services has been officially designated as the competent authority for issuing apostilles.
In the British Virgin Islands (a British Overseas Territory), the Office of the Deputy Governor has been designated as the sole authority responsible for issuing apostilles.
The Bermuda Islands have transferred the apostille function to the Parliamentary Registry Office.
In Saint Lucia and in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Registrar of the High Court has been replaced by the Chief Clerk of the Supreme Court as the designated apostille authority.
Additionally, Cuba has transferred responsibility for consular legalization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Justice. This measure is temporary.
Havana has expressed its intention to join the Hague Convention and adopt the use of apostilles.
The authorities of Saint Kitts and Nevis have removed the Attorney General, the Chief Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Registrar of the Supreme Court from the list of officials authorized to issue apostilles. A new official has been added to the list — the Legal Adviser of the Legal Department of the Nevis Island Administration.
In Malta, the competent authority has changed as a result of an administrative reform. Apostilles are now issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade.
What is an apostille?
What is an apostille? Why do I need an apostille? How do I get an apostille? - Our video will explain everything you need to know about the apostille. If you have a document that needs to be certified with an apostille for use abroad, Schmidt and Schmidt will assist you! We provide apostille services in more than 100 countries worldwide.
