Schmidt & Schmidt establishes new office in Shanghai to serve growing needs for document legalization in East Asia

Schmidt & Schmidt is proud to announce the opening of our new office in Shanghai, China, a key move in our global expansion strategy. This office will serve as a hub for East Asia, offering businesses and individuals vital services, including document legalization, commercial information procurement, and professional translation services.

Apostille Convention Enters into Force for Bangladesh

On March 30, 2025, the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (commonly known as the Apostille Convention) entered into force for Bangladesh. This was reported by the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

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.

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.

Important information: Working hours during Ramadan and holidays

Please be aware that the upcoming month of Ramadan will begin on the evening of March 1 and will last until the evening of March 29, 2025. During this period, the working hours of government offices, postal and courier services, as well as commercial organizations, may change in many Muslim countries.

Building Tomorrow, Today: Reflections on 2024

As the year 2024 comes to an end, it is time for reflection, gratitude, and setting our sights on the opportunities ahead. This year has been one of transformation, innovation, and determination as we navigated an ever-changing global landscape.

Germany recognizes apostilles from Kyrgyzstan: A milestone in document legalization

The Kyrgyz Republic has been an official contracting state of the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 (also known as the Apostille Convention) since June 1, 2011. This international agreement simplifies the recognition of public documents abroad by replacing the lengthy consular legalization process with a streamlined apostille procedure.

Schmidt & Schmidt Expands with New Office in Ankara, Offering Vital Document Services Across Turkey

Schmidt & Schmidt is excited to announce the opening of our new office in Ankara, Turkey, further extending our global reach and providing essential document legalization and business services to the region. This new office is a key step in bringing our specialized offerings closer to Turkish businesses and international clients with operations in Turkey.

Thailand plans to join Apostille Convention

A conference entitled “Addressing International Private Law through the Lens of the Apostille Convention” was held in Thailand as part of the 62nd annual session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO). This was reported on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Bangladesh has joined the Apostille Convention

The authorities of the People's Republic of Bangladesh officially deposited their instruments of accession to the Convention of 5 October 1961 for the Abolition of the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, also known as the Apostille Convention, with the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) on July 29, 2024. The official website of the Hague Conference reports this.

FATF may return UAE to its gray list

The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) may return the United Arab Emirates to the list of jurisdictions subject to enhanced monitoring, also known as the “grey list”. This was reported by Infolibre.

FATF has made major changes to its gray list

The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), at its plenary meeting held in Singapore, made decisions on the status of Monaco, Venezuela, Turkey and Jamaica.

FATF to remove Turkey from its “grey list” in the coming days

The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) plans to remove Turkey from its “grey list” of jurisdictions subject to enhanced monitoring. Report news agency writes about this with reference to the Turkish publication Hurriyet.

The procedure for electronic apostille has changed in Kazakhstan

On June 15, 2024, changes to the procedure for providing the state service “Apostille of official documents emanating from justice authorities and other government bodies, as well as notaries of the Republic of Kazakhstan” came into force. Now an application for apostille through the Electronic Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Egov) portal with a list of required documents is submitted using an electronic digital signature (EDS).

The Apostille Convention has entered into force for Rwanda

On 5 June 2024, the Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, also known as the Apostille Convention, came into force for Rwanda.

Enhanced Monitoring of EAC-certified Products

The Certification Oversight Authority has announced new measures to intensify inspection controls for certified products. This initiative, announced on May 2, 2024, aims to strengthen the verification of the authenticity of EAC certificates. This includes monitoring existing agreements between accredited certification bodies and authorized representatives, as well as conducting actual production audits at manufacturing sites and particularly inspection controls.

The Government of Bangladesh has decided to accede to the Apostille Convention

The Bangladesh Cabinet formally approved the state's accession to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents of 5 October 1961 (also known as the Apostille Convention).

Why are EAC-Certificates being revoked on a huge scale?

Up to half of all EAC certificates issued may soon be declared invalid. What can be done to prevent this from happening with purchased EAC certificates?

During an inspection of the five largest certification bodies in the Eurasian Economic Union in July 2023, significant deficiencies were found in 46.8% of the audit reports used as a basis for issuing EAC certificates.

The Apostille Convention has entered into force for Canada

On 11 January 2024, the Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, also known as the Apostille Convention, entered into force for Canada.

Thank You for Your Cooperation in 2023!

In this New Year and Christmas, we want to express our gratitude to every member of our team, our clients, and partners. Your support, trust, and efforts are the foundation of our success. We look forward to the future with optimism and are ready to meet 2024 with new ideas and solutions.

The Apostille Convention has entered into force for mainland China

China joined the Hague Conference in 1987, but for a long time did not ratify the Apostille Convention, being the largest country in the world without the simplified document legalization procedure. Now everything has changed.

Concert on the Roof - Schmidt & Schmidt delights with a unique rooftop concert.

On 20th October 2023, Schmidt & Schmidt transformed their company rooftop in Passau into a stage for a unique musical experience: "Concert on the Roof". In an atmosphere that seamlessly blended work and leisure, employees and around 200 invited guests, many of them students, enjoyed performances by three talented student rock bands

Rwanda accedes to the Apostille Convention and applies for membership in the HCCH

On 6 October 2023, the Republic of Rwanda deposited its instrument of accession to the Convention of 5 October 1961, also known as the Apostille Convention.

Belarus to stop issuing passports and powers of attorney at its diplomatic missions abroad

The Republic of Belarus has undergone a large-scale reform of the regulatory framework in the sphere of consular services, registration of migration documentation, legalisation of documents.

Legalization and recognition of diplomas in Japan

The system in Japan for foreign-educated individuals seeking admission to educational institutions reflects flexibility in acknowledging diverse educational backgrounds while maintaining standards

Apostille, consular legalization and recognition of educational degrees issued in Ukraine

The recognition of educational documents issued in Ukraine is an important step for individuals who intend to utilize their qualifications in Europe and the United States. Certain procedures such as apostille, legalization, and recognition need to be carried out to ensure the recognition of Ukrainian diplomas in other countries.

Canada joins the Apostille Convention

On May 12, 2023, Canadian authorities officially deposited with the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) the instruments of accession to the Convention of October 5, 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, also known as the Apostille Convention.

EAC certification amidst EU and US sanctions against Russia and Belarus: navigating the complex landscape

This article explores the complexities of EAC certification during sanctions and offers guidance on how to navigate this intricate landscape. We offer several strategies on how to obtain the EAC certification in other countries.

Apostille, legalization and recognition of diplomas issued in Spain

Degrees, certificates and other educational documents issued in Spain have no legal force abroad. Therefore, an apostille may be required in a number of cases, most notably when enrolling in graduate or post-graduate studies.

Apostille, legalization and recognition of degrees issued in Switzerland

Degrees, certificates and other educational documents issued in Switzerland have no legal force abroad. Therefore, an apostille may be required in a number of cases, most notably when enrolling in graduate or post-graduate studies.

Apostille, legalization and recognition of diplomas issued in Germany

Degrees, certificates and other educational documents issued in Germany have no legal force abroad. Therefore, an apostille may be required in a number of cases, most notably when enrolling in graduate or post-graduate studies.

China acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention

The Chinese government formally deposited its instrument of accession to the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, also known as the Apostille Convention, with the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) on 5 October 1961.

The five most common mistakes when translating documents for use abroad

Translation of official documents for use abroad may at first seem like a simple and uncomplicated procedure. After all, there are many translation agencies in almost every country. But it is not that simple, and therefore we are often contacted by people who have already tried to translate documents on their own, lost time and money, and eventually have to do everything in a proper way.

What should you know about the legalisation of medical documents?

Nowadays, the need to legalise medical documents is becoming more and more frequent. This may be required in various situations: for example, when arranging treatment in a foreign clinic or explaining the reasons for absence at your workplace, also when confirming satisfactory state of health for admission to higher education institution or signing an employment contract.

Thank you for your cooperation in 2022!

As every year, on New Year's Eve and Christmas Eve, we summarize the results of the past year and set plans for the future.

This year has been interesting and busy for all of us. It has presented our team with many new challenges, but it has also offered many new opportunities for development. There have been many achievements as well as challenges to overcome.

Studying abroad: what should you pay attention to?

Today the world is getting smaller and opening up new possibilities for us. Every year, more and more people are getting college degrees away from home. What should be considered when studying abroad?

Legalization of commercial documents

Those who are just starting out in foreign trade are often faced with an unexpected problem - the impossibility of legalization of commercial documents for use abroad through the apostille or consular legalization. What can be done if the business partners expect the submission of officially certified documents?

What to do if the application for an apostille has been rejected?

The legalization of documents with the apostille is an alternative procedure in many situations. But unfortunately it sometimes happens that the authorized authorities refuse to affix an apostille.

Apostille and consular authentication: differences and features of the application

What do we need – an apostille or consular legalization? What is the difference between apostille and consular legalization? Why can't I just apostille my documents when traveling to China? And above all: Why do I need all this anyway?

Why not save money with a certified translation?

Our customers often do not know whether it is worth preparing an official, certified translation for their documents for use abroad.

How to get an apostille if the original document is lost?

Unfortunately, quite often people lose documents, including those with apostille. Therefore, customers regularly contact us with the question, what should they do in this case?

The approach depends on the location and circumstances of the document loss. It is easiest if it is lost on the territory of the issuing country, it is a little more difficult if it is abroad, especially if you do not have the opportunity to collect it. But don't worry, this is almost always a solvable problem.

Apostille and notarization: the difference and features of the application

The legalization of documents, as well as notarization of their copies and translations, is a very specific field of activity that most people rarely come across. Therefore, it is quite natural that those who urgently need to prepare documents for use abroad have many questions.

Is it possible to get an apostille on a document for two countries at the same time?

Very often the question is asked, if it is possible to get apostille on one document for two countries at the same time?

Our Turkish website is online!

Schmidt & Schmidt has launched the Turkish version of the website to thereby consult customers from Turkey in their native language and to participate in the Turkish business life.

Turkey, with its geopolitical position and dynamic demographic structure, is one of the countries that has been the heart of trade for years. Turkey's fertile lands, constantly developing industry and location in both Asia and Europe have always made it a magnet for people all around the globe.

Schmidt & Schmidt opens an office in Kazakhstan

Our company has always paid close attention to the economic development of Central Asia and offers professional services to many companies in this region.

Given the growing volume of orders from Asia and established business contacts with many companies in the region, we decided to get closer to our customers and partners and open another office in the capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan, for which we created a new legal entity - Schmidt & Schmidt TOO.

About courier delivery of documents to and from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

Dear Clients,

Logistics companies DHL, FedEx and United Parcel Service (UPS) have suspended the delivery of documents to and from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine due to the military operation in Ukraine. The companies announced this on their websites.

The European Union also imposed a ban on flights of Russian aircraft over its entire territory. In response to this, the Russian Federation also closed the skies to EU aircraft.

Already sent documents transported by FedEx will be stored on the company's network. We are working on returning your documents to our office and building alternative routes for delivering documents to you. In this connection, we should expect an increase in delivery times.

We are trying to restore work in full and as soon as possible, but as long as political unrest and hostilities continue, our capabilities are limited.

We ask you to treat the current situation with understanding.

As soon as the work of courier services is restored in full, we will inform you of the status of your orders.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Information about the order processing process in Ukraine

As you probably already know, the situation in Ukraine has sharply escalated due to the military invasion of the Russian military forces. At the moment, the situation is developing very quickly and unpredictably.

A curfew has been introduced on the territory of a number of settlements, the work of state bodies, delivery services and other services has been suspended. Internet access has also been temporarily disabled and some state Internet portals have been shut down. Airports have been closed and all flights have been suspended.

In this connection, at the moment it is impossible or very difficult to process orders in Ukraine.

Processing of orders in Kazakhstan

Dear customers,

As you probably already know, political unrest broke out in Kazakhstan in early January after New Year's Eve, some of which resulted in outbreaks of violence and military actions.

Currently, curfew has been imposed on a number of settlements on the territory and the work of government agencies, delivery services and other services have been suspended.

Thank you for your cooperation in 2021!

Winter has arrived and with it Christmas is getting closer and closer. Most of all, it means having a good time with family and friends. At the same time, the holidays can also be very busy: the last gifts need to be wrapped, Christmas dinner is on the stove, pets have to be kept away from the Christmas tree and at the same time children try to steal cookies. We, Schmidt & Schmidt, traditionally summarize the past year on the eve of the new year and at Christmas and define plans for the future. The year 2021 offered our company a multitude of opportunities for further development and became a year full of successes, new achievements as well as challenges and difficulties overcome.

Our new website is launched

We’ve been working hard over the last few months on a completely fresh design for our website which reflects our corporate values and provides our customers and stakeholders with a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

We’re thrilled that since our last site redesign in 2011, we’ve continued to grow and expand our portfolio of business solutions for our international clients. As we’ve grown, we want to showcase our new services, our work and the people at the heart of our success.

Schmidt & Schmidt celebrates its tenth anniversary

Dear friends, customers and business partners!

Schmidt & Schmidt celebrates its 10th anniversary this autumn.

It would be insincere to say that all these 10 years passed unnoticed. It has been a long and difficult journey. I remember me and Alexey, my brother and regular business partner, registering the company in September 2011. We had just finished our studies at the University of Passau. I only had 300 euros in my account. This money became our first capital, from which the fees for the registration of the GbR Schmidt & Schmidt were paid.

Thank you for your cooperation in 2020!

There is no doubt that the past year has been difficult for everyone. The global changes affected all of us, and we had to adjust and adapt quickly to the evolving conditions. Nevertheless, the past year's outcomes show that we have chosen the right strategy.