In Croatia, in 2025, the functions of two organs authorized to issue apostilles have been clarified: municipal courts and the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation (in exceptional cases). The relevant information is available on the official portal of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
Who are the authorized bodies to apostille documents in Croatia?
Previously, the Ministry of Justice served as the primary authority responsible for issuing apostilles in Croatia, with certain functions delegated to municipal courts. The Ministry has since been renamed the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation.
According to the official website of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, municipal courts are listed as the primary authorities authorized to issue apostilles in Croatia. Applications must be submitted to the court based on the place where the document was issued. The court fee is €6.64 for documents in Croatian and €7.96 for those in English translation.
The Ministry of Justice, while formally retaining its role as the “national central authority” for the implementation of the Apostille Convention, is now indicated as being responsible for legalization only in exceptional cases — specifically, for documents issued by public administration bodies.
Recent сhanges in apostille authorities worldwide
Aspreviously reported by Schmidt & Schmidt, a number of countries have recently revised the list of authorities and officials authorized to legalize documents for international use. For instance, the Colombian authorities have granted the authority to certify documents within the Office for the Coordination of Apostille and Legalization to the Ambassador in Charge and the Head of Operations.
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.
