France сreates official signatures database to launch apostille reform

On March 25, 2025, the French Ministry of Justice issued an order establishing a personal data processing system known as the “National Public Signatures Database.” This register has been created to support the implementation of the country's apostille reform.

FranceApostilleReformHighlighted

31 March 2025

Everything you need to know about certified translations

Certified translations are translations that are officially recognized for legal or official purposes. A certified translation is performed by a professional translator who guarantees the accuracy and completeness of the translated document. The translator typically provides a signed statement, known as a certification, affirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document.

Consular Legalization of foreign documentsTranslationHighlighted

19 March 2025

The procedure for the recognition of documents between Russia and Estonia has changed

On March 19, 2025, the agreement on legal assistance between Russia and Estonia officially ceased to be in effect. One of the key legal consequences of this event is the requirement to apostille documents for mutual recognition. The publication "Northern Coast" writes about the change in the legal situation.

ApostilleRussia

19 March 2025

A central authority has been established in the British Virgin Islands, authorized to apostille documents

On the British Virgin Islands, the office of the Deputy Governor has become the central authority authorized to apostille documents. This is reported by the portal of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

British Virgin IslandsHague Convention 1961Apostille

18 March 2025

France has completed another phase of the apostille reform

French municipalities have appointed special representatives who will interact with the High Council of Notaries regarding apostille matters. This is reported by MAIRE INFO.

FranceHague Convention 1961Apostille

18 March 2025

The UK Foreign Ministry reported to Parliament on the implementation of beneficial ownership registries in the overseas territories

The discussion on the implementation of public beneficial ownership registries for companies in the UK overseas territories continues in the UK Parliament. This is reported by MercoPress.

United KingdomCommercial register extract

18 March 2025

What to look out for when choosing a consulting company for Apostille and consular Legalization of Foreign Documents

The apostille is a stamp in the shape of a square. It should be filled in in the official languages of the issuing authority.

ApostilleConsular Legalization of foreign documentsProcurement of documents

17 March 2025

In Sevastopol, preparations are underway to officially gather all notarial documents from the Ukrainian era in one place

The authorities of Sevastopol plan to collect all notarial documents issued before the events of 2014 in a single archive. This was reported by the media outlet Forpost. It is believed that this experience could be useful for all "new regions."

Notary servicesRussia

13 March 2025

Digital signatures on documents from EAEU countries will receive legal status

Electronic signatures for document exchange between the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will receive unified verification. This is reported by 'Vedomosti'..

ApostilleEAEU

12 March 2025

The authorities of Iceland have updated the recommendations for apostille certification

On the Icelandic government services website, an updated recommendation for document apostille certification was posted in 2025.

Hague Convention 1961Apostille

12 March 2025

The authorities of the Swiss canton of Zurich have published clarifications on the procedures for apostille and consular legalization

The State Chancellery of the canton of Zurich has published current clarifications on the procedure for the legalization of documents for their use abroad on its official portal.

ApostilleConsular Legalization of foreign documentsHague Convention 1961Switzerland

07 March 2025

After the introduction of the new system for apostilling diplomas in Belarus, critics pointed out 'problematic' points

In Belarus, the system of advance electronic registration for the apostille of educational documents has been in operation since March 3, 2025. However, the public has already raised questions about it.

ApostilleElectronic apostilleReformEducational DocumentBelarus

06 March 2025

The report of the Hague Conference on Private International Law for the year 2024 has been published

The Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) has published a report on the activities of the organization in 2024. The report places significant emphasis on the development of document legalization through apostille.

ApostilleElectronic apostilleHague Convention 1961

06 March 2025

The Philippines is preparing to launch its own register of company beneficiaries

The Philippines aims to launch a business beneficiaries registry in 2025 to avoid being placed again on the 'gray list' of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF). This was reported by BusinessWorld.

Commercial register extractBeneficial Owners RegisterAnti Money LaunderingPhilippines

03 March 2025