Notarising the Translation of Corporate Documents for Foreign Investors: What You Need to Know

Notarising the Translation of Corporate Documents for Foreign Investors

If a foreign company intends to operate in Uzbekistan — whether by opening a representative office, forming a joint venture, or becoming a participant in a limited liability company — its corporate documents must not merely be translated into Uzbek or Russian, but also notarially certified. It is precisely this notarisation that confirms the legal validity of the document for state authorities and business partners.

Key Points to Understand

• Translation and notarisation are two separate services. As a notary, I certify the translator's signature — not the content of the document itself. The quality and accuracy of the translation remain entirely the translator's responsibility.
• Legalisation or apostille comes first. Before bringing any document to a notary, ensure that the original has undergone the required recognition procedure abroad — either an apostille or consular legalisation, depending on the country of origin.
• Language of translation. For registration purposes in Uzbekistan, a translation into Uzbek (the state language) or Russian is generally required. I always recommend confirming the exact language requirement with the relevant authority for your specific case.
• Verify current notary fees at the time of your appointment, as notarial tariffs are subject to periodic revision.

What Counts as a "Corporate Document"?

For a foreign company, corporate documents typically include:

• Articles of Association, Charter, or Statutes;
• Certificate of Incorporation;
• Extract from the commercial or corporate register;
• Resolutions of governing bodies (board of directors, general meeting of shareholders or participants), where required for a transaction or registration.

In my practice, I frequently see investors arrive with only part of the required package. I strongly recommend consulting the registering authority or your legal adviser in advance to confirm exactly which documents will be needed in your specific situation.

General Procedure for Certifying a Translation

Documents to Bring

For a foreign legal entity:

• The original corporate document bearing an apostille (or consular legalisation)
• The completed translation, prepared by a professional accredited translator
• The translator's identity document (the translator must appear in person, or their signature must already be known to the notary)
• A power of attorney and passport of the representative, if someone other than the company's director is submitting the documents
• The foreign company's registration details for the preparation of the notarial document

For an individual foreign investor:

• Passport with a valid visa or other permit confirming the right to stay in Uzbekistan
• The company documents listed above

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an apostille required if the document was issued in a CIS country?

Several Commonwealth of Independent States members have concluded treaties on mutual legal assistance that simplify the recognition of documents. However, the requirements differ depending on the country of origin and the intended use of the document. I recommend verifying the position on a case-by-case basis.

Can the notary perform the translation?

In Uzbekistan, a notary certifies the translator's signature but does not carry out the translation themselves. You will need to engage a professional accredited translator separately.

How many certified copies of the translation do I need?

This depends on the purpose: company registration, opening a bank account, participating in a tender — each authority may request a different number. Clarify the requirements in advance and order a few extra copies to be safe.

How long is a certified translation valid?

A notarially certified translation does not carry an expiry date in itself. However, the underlying source document — for example, a register extract — may become outdated, and many authorities will only accept extracts issued within a specified recent period. Always confirm the acceptable timeframe with the receiving authority.

Can the translation be notarised without attending in person?

Certification of a translator's signature requires either the translator's physical presence or a previously authenticated specimen signature. This procedure cannot be completed entirely remotely.

Important Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not substitute individual notarial advice. Document requirements and procedural steps may vary depending on the specific circumstances, the country of incorporation, and the intended use of the documents. Please verify all current requirements directly with the notary prior to your appointment.

Visit Our Notarial Office

If you need to have the translation of foreign corporate documents notarially certified in Tashkent, I welcome you to a consultation at my notarial office in the Yunusabad district. We will review your document package, explain the precise steps required, and assist you in completing everything in accordance with Uzbek legal requirements. Please contact us using the details provided on the website.