If you are planning to study, work, or relocate abroad, your university degree or school certificate will need an apostille — a standardised authentication recognised in dozens of countries. In this article, I explain what an apostille is, how to obtain one in Uzbekistan, and what to watch out for along the way.
An apostille is a standardised certificate (affixed as a stamp or attached sheet) that authenticates the signature and official seal on a public document. It operates under the framework of the 1961 Hague Convention — a multilateral treaty to which Uzbekistan is a party. Once your degree or school-leaving certificate carries an apostille, it is accepted without additional consular legalisation in any other member country of the Convention.
In my practice, I regularly meet clients who confuse an apostille with a notarised translation. These are two distinct procedures: a translation makes the document comprehensible to a foreign party, while an apostille certifies that the underlying original (or a notarially certified copy) is a genuine, legally valid document.
Key points to keep in mind:
In the Republic of Uzbekistan, apostilles on educational documents are issued by the designated competent state authority (the Ministry of Justice or another body in accordance with the current allocation of powers). The notary plays a supporting — but essential — role in this process: certifying the accuracy of a copy of the original and, where required, authenticating a notarised translation of the document into a foreign language.
Practising private notary of the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. Certifies transactions, powers of attorney, inheritance and family documents under the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
An apostille is not the only way to give a document legal force abroad. If the destination country has a mutual legal assistance treaty with Uzbekistan, neither full consular legalisation nor an apostille may be required at all. Here is how that works in practice.
I strongly recommend confirming with the receiving party — your prospective employer, university, or immigration authority — whether they require the apostille on the original document, on a notarially certified copy, or on the translation. Requirements vary considerably, and clarifying this upfront will save you significant time and effort.
| Step | What Happens | What to Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the original | Ensure the document is undamaged and all stamps are legible | Replacing a lost degree takes time — start the process early |
| 2. Notarial certification of the copy / translation | The notary certifies the copy or authenticates the translator's signature | The translation must be prepared by a qualified translator |
| 3. Submission to the competent authority | The document is submitted for apostillisation | Confirm the current document checklist and applicable state fee |
| 4. Collection of the apostillised document | Processing time varies | Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee — enquire when you apply |
If your document was issued many years ago and bears outdated institutional details — for example, an institution that has since been renamed or reorganised — additional supporting certificates may be required. It is worth investigating this in advance to avoid delays.
An apostille certifies only the legal validity of the document; it does not render the document intelligible in a foreign language. For this reason, the receiving party will typically also require a notarised translation — provided as a separate document. Some countries and institutions accept an apostille placed directly on the translation; others insist on an apostille on the original plus a separate translation. Clarify this with the receiving party before you begin the process, so you do not have to redo the paperwork.
Can an apostille be placed on a copy of a degree rather than the original?
Yes, provided the copy has first been certified by a notary. This arrangement is frequently used when the original cannot be surrendered or held by a third party.
How long does the process take?
Timelines depend on the workload of the competent authority and the processing mode you select. Please verify current turnaround times on the day you submit your application.
Does an apostille have an expiry date?
The apostille itself does not expire. However, the receiving organisation may impose its own requirements — for example, stipulating that the document must have been apostillised within the past year. Always check with the party requesting the document.
What if the destination country is not a party to the Hague Convention?
In that case, an apostille is not applicable. You will need to use consular legalisation, which is an entirely separate procedure. Before starting any paperwork, verify whether your destination country is a Convention member.
Can I handle everything — notarial certification, translation, and apostille — in one place?
Notarial certification of a copy and authentication of a translation can both be completed at my notary office. The apostille itself is issued by the designated state authority. In practice, I assist clients in assembling the complete document package so as to minimise the number of separate visits to different offices.
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*This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal or notarial advice. Specific requirements, fees, and processing times may differ depending on your particular circumstances. Please verify all details with the relevant authority or your notary before proceeding.*
If you need to apostillise a university degree or school certificate in Tashkent, I am ready to assist you at every stage: certifying your document copy, authenticating your translation, and advising you on the next steps. Please get in touch with my notary office in the Yunusabad district — appointments are available by prior arrangement.