How to get an Appostile in Brno
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as birth or marriage certificates. These are the two most common documents that need to be used abroad. Before they can be used in the Czech Republic you need to obtain the aforementioned Apostille, as well as a verified translation of the said document. The Apostille itself is governed by the Apostille Convention.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille authenticates the origin of a public document. Generally, public documents are of administrative nature or coming from an authority or a court. They can also be extracts from various registers and academic diplomas.
When do I need an Apostille?
First, find out whether both your home country and the country in which the documents are to be used are party to the Convention. Second, find out if the other country requires an Apostille in order to recognise the document – have a look at a list of countries where the Apostille Convention applies.
Where do I get an Apostille?
Each country that is party to the Convention must designate at least one authority that is entitled to issue Apostilles. Through the list of competent authorities for each member state you will learn that in the Czech Republic the competent authorities are the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How do I obtain an Apostille in Brno?
First, find out what kind of a document you need the Apostille for. If it is judicial documents including documents issued or certified by notaries you need to contact the Ministry of Justice. For any other documents please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can apply either in person or by mail.
Judicial documents
If you wish to apply in person, the office is in Prague so you will have to travel. Don’t forget to bring a stamp (kolek) worth 100 CZK.
address: Na Děkance 3, Praha 2, 128 10
phone: +420 221 997 473 (or 927, 924, 910, 319)
email: moc@msp.justice.cz
If you wish to apply by mail you can send it to:
Ministerstvo spravedlnosti ČR
mezinárodní odbor civilní
Vyšehradská 16
128 10 Praha 2
Please attach the following:
- Country where the document will be used;
- Your address to which the document will be returned;
- Phone number, email address;
- Required number of stamps / kolek worth 100 CZK for one verification;
- The document itself.
The processing time can take up to 30 days but it usually only takes 10-14 days if sent by mail.
Other documents
One of the most common cases you might need an Apostille for is obtaining a birth certificate. It consists of two steps.
Step 1: Registry – Administrative department (Správní oddělení)
First, you will need to obtain a verification of the birth certificate from the authority that issued it. In Brno, it is the Registry (matrika). All you need to bring is the original of the birth certificate and your ID (and a residence card just in case).
Step 2: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Legalization department (Odbor konzulárních činností – pracovní skupina legalizace)
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can apply in person or by mail.
In person, you need to travel to Prague. Remember to bring a stamp (kolek) worth 100 CZK.
address: Hradčanské náměstí 5, Praha 1, 118 00
phone: +420 224 182 188 (or 153, 527)
email: legalizace@mzv.cz
If you wish to apply by mail you can send it to:
Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí ČR
Odbor konzulárních činností – pracovní skupina legalizace
Hradčanské nám. 5
110 00 Praha
Please attach the following:
- Country where the document will be used;
- Your address to which the document will be returned;
- Phone number, email address;
- Required number of stamps (kolek) worth 100 CZK for one verification;
- The document itself.
Do you need more information about the Apostille Convention and Apostille? Send us an inquiry or visit the convention website.