Due to the escalating geopolitical situation, Israel is temporarily closing its diplomatic missions and suspending consular services, including the legalization of documents. This has been announced by Israeli diplomatic missions abroad.
Current status of Israeli consular services abroad
The announcement regarding the closure of Israeli diplomatic missions was made on June 13, 2025, following the outbreak of a military conflict between Israel and Iran. According to media reports, the decision was taken due to concerns over potential threats or attacks targeting diplomatic staff.
All diplomatic missions have been closed, resulting in the global suspension of consular services, including document legalization. The suspension is currently indefinite, although initial notices have been published through June 30.
International media report that Israel’s decision will pose serious challenges for thousands of individuals — both Israeli citizens and foreign nationals — who need to use foreign-issued documents within the country.
Other countries may also decide to restrict the operations of their diplomatic missions if the conflict continues to escalate.
How to legalize documents in Israel remotely
Schmidt & Schmidt previously reported that Israel's government portal now offers an electronic apostille service for certain types of documents. These digital apostilles can be used in countries that have ratified the 1961 Hague Convention, accept electronic apostilles, and maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.
Currently, only documents that were originally issued in digital form are eligible for electronic apostilles. The e-legalization of scanned copies of physical (“paper”) documents is not available. Traditional paper-based documents can only be legalized with a physical apostille stamp. The state fee for the digital apostille is paid during the online application process.
Electronic apostilles are currently available for documents such as inheritance orders, will preservation orders, certificates of company registration, company name change certificates, notarized statements, certificates from the Trademarks Department of the Israeli Patent Office, land registry extracts, marriage certificates, matriculation certificates, and death certificates.
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.
How can we help?
We will be happy to help you with apostille and legalization of documents for use abroad. You can always contact Schmidt & Schmidt, we have accumulated vast experience in legalization of various documents and we provide all necessary services in this area, including making notarized copies, translation, preparation of necessary powers of attorney, legalization of documents in government agencies and consulates of foreign countries, as well as delivery of finished documents to most countries of the world. You can read more about the legalization and apostille procedure in Israel and other countries on our website.
