Digitalisation of EU Corporate Law: How the rules on legalization, apostille and translation of documents are changing

As part of the ongoing digital transformation of corporate law in the European Union, procedures related to the legalization, apostille and translation of documents are being significantly simplified. A new initiative by the European Commission, introduced under Digitalisation Directive II, aims to implement digital powers of attorney, ensure mutual recognition of official documents without the need for re-legalization or re-apostille, and eliminate translation requirements—provided that documents are authenticated via EU Trust Services.

DHL temporarily suspends operations in parts of the Middle East

The international express delivery company DHL has temporarily suspended its services in several Middle Eastern countries. The company has issued a corresponding notice to its clients.

Police Clearance Certificate from China, 无犯罪记录证明

If you are planning to study or work abroad, you may be required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

Croatia clarified the functions of the authorities authorized to apostille documents

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.

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.

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.

The state of Wisconsin is introducing a new form of apostille as part of its document legalization reform

The authorities of the state of Wisconsin (USA) have announced the introduction of a "universal" apostille certificate. An official notice was released on February 5, 2025, by the office of the state secretary, Sarah Godlewski.

In Ukraine, the services of civil registry offices, notaries and justice authorities will be available only with an updated military ID

Before receiving government services falling under the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, local citizens of military age will have to report to the military registration and enlistment office.

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.

Childbirth abroad: what should be taken into account?

Getting a baby is always a wonderful joyful moment, and it’s very important not to overshadow it with any legal problems. Moreover, in many countries the registration of a newborn is a rather complicated bureaucratic procedure.
So what should you start with?

Wedding abroad: What should you look out for with documents?

Nowadays, many people want something out of the ordinary, and that is why couples often prefer to get married abroad. Incidentally, this does not only apply to couples in which one of the partners is a citizen of another country. Many people want to break out of everyday life and swear an oath of eternal love to the sound of the waves on one of the Mediterranean islands or the sound of the north wind on a glacier in Greenland.

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.