Two stamps at 670 UAH each, a translation, a notary, two weeks of waiting - all for a single document. The double apostille is a procedure that sounds intimidating, but it’s actually clear and logical once you understand it. The problem? Half the people get a double apostille when they don’t need one (and overpay), while the other half skip it when they do need one (and get rejected abroad). Let’s sort this out once and for all: what it is, which countries require it, and how to get one step by step.
What Is a Double Apostille and Why Does It Exist¶
A double apostille is a procedure where the apostille stamp is placed on a document twice. The first apostille goes on the original document (birth certificate, diploma, police clearance). The second goes on the notarized translation of that document.
Why is this needed? Here’s the logic. The first apostille confirms: “this document is genuine, issued by an authorized Ukrainian authority.” The second confirms: “this translation was certified by a real notary who has the authority to do so.”
The main legal purpose of the double apostille is that the signature and seal of the notary who certified the translator’s signature allows the translator’s qualification to be confirmed at the international level.
In plain terms: without the second apostille, a foreign authority sees a translation certified by a notary they’ve never heard of. The apostille on that notarial certification is proof: “yes, this notary is real, has the authority, and the seal is genuine.”
Important: the double apostille requirement comes from the destination country, not Ukraine. Ukrainian law doesn’t mandate a second apostille - it’s a requirement of the specific foreign institution where you’re submitting documents.
We covered the difference between an apostille on the original vs. apostille on the translation in detail in a separate article. Here, we’re focusing specifically on situations where you need both.
Which Countries Require a Double Apostille¶
General rule: Romance-law countries (where the legal system is built on codified law and formalism) more often require a double apostille. Common-law and Germanic-law countries - less often.
Some countries that are part of the Hague Convention still don’t accept Ukrainian documents with just one apostille. These are exactly the countries that require a double apostille.
Here’s the current breakdown by country.
Countries Where Double Apostille Is Almost Always Required¶
| Country | For which procedures | Who translates locally afterward |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Dichiarazione di Valore, permesso di soggiorno, diploma recognition, marriage | Traduttore giurato + asseverazione |
| France | Titre de séjour, naturalization, most prefecture procedures | Traducteur assermenté |
| Spain | Diploma homologation, NIE, marriage, residency | Traductor jurado |
| Portugal | AIMA procedures, residence permits, diploma recognition | Tradutor juramentado |
| Belgium | Commune registration, most official procedures | Sworn translator |
| Turkey | Ikamet, marriage, work permit | Yeminli tercüman + notary |
Countries Where Double Apostille Is Sometimes Required¶
| Country | When required | When NOT required |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Civil registry documents, some Aufenthaltsbehörde procedures | Qualification recognition through AMS |
| Netherlands | IND (immigration) procedures - check case by case | Municipal services (not always) |
| Switzerland | Depends on the canton | Some cantons accept a single apostille |
| United Kingdom | Some Home Office procedures | Visas, education |
| Israel | Aliyah procedures, marriage | Some Misrad HaPnim procedures |
| Greece | Official government procedures | Banking and insurance |
Countries Where Double Apostille Is NOT Required¶
- Germany - one apostille on the original. Translation done by a sworn translator (beeidigter Übersetzer) in Germany
- Poland - one apostille. Translation by tłumacz przysięgły
- Czech Republic - one apostille. Translation by soudní tlumočník
- USA - apostille on original + certified translation with a certificate of accuracy. No double apostille needed
- Canada - apostille on original + certified translation. IRCC doesn’t require double
- Scandinavian countries - Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland - one apostille
But even this list has exceptions. Golden rule: check the requirements of the specific institution where you’re submitting documents.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Double Apostille¶
The procedure has four stages. The order matters - changing the sequence means starting over.
Step 1: Apostille on the Original Document¶
Bring the original document to the appropriate authority in Ukraine. Which one depends on the document type:
| Document type | Where to go | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Civil registry documents | Ministry of Justice | Birth, marriage, death, divorce certificates |
| Court documents | Ministry of Justice | Court decisions, registry extracts |
| Notarial documents | Ministry of Justice | Powers of attorney, contracts |
| Educational documents | Ministry of Education and Science | Diplomas, school certificates, transcripts |
| Interior Ministry documents | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Police clearance certificates |
| Medical documents | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Medical certificates |
Cost: 670 UAH (~$16) for individuals in 2026 (since January 1, 2026, the fee is tied to the subsistence minimum - 0.2 of the minimum for individuals). For legal entities - 1,160 UAH.
As reported by the Judicial-Legal Gazette:
As of January 1, 2026, the apostille fee is: 670 UAH for individuals; 1,160 UAH for legal entities.
Timeline: up to 3 business days (under the new Ministry of Justice procedure effective February 1, 2026).
Step 2: Translate the Document (Including the Apostille)¶
After getting the apostille on the original, take the document to a translator. The translator translates EVERYTHING: the document text + the apostille stamp text. This is important - the apostille itself must be translated too.
The translator should be a qualified specialist. While Ukrainian law doesn’t set strict requirements for translator qualifications for notarial certification, in practice notaries verify the translator holds a relevant diploma.
Translation cost: 300-600 UAH (~$7-15) per standard page (1,800 characters), depending on the language pair and urgency.
Step 3: Notarize the Translation¶
Take the finished translation to a notary. The notary certifies the translator’s signature on the translation. They’re not confirming the translation is correct (that’s not their job) - they’re confirming the translator’s identity: “yes, this specific person signed this translation.”
Notarization cost: 200-400 UAH (~$5-10), depending on the notary and city.
Important detail: some notaries only work with “their” translators. Before ordering a translation, check with the notary whether they’ll accept work from your translator. Better yet, find a notary who works as a team with a translator and order everything in one place.
Step 4: Second Apostille - on the Notarized Translation¶
Now you have a notarized translation. This is a document signed and stamped by a notary - a Ukrainian official. To confirm this notary’s authority for a foreign institution, you need another apostille.
Take the notarized translation to the Ministry of Justice (always the Ministry of Justice, regardless of the original document type - because the apostille is being placed on a notarial act).
As legal company NTIdea describes:
In a document package with a double apostille, the second apostille is always the apostille on the translation. To get an apostille on the translation, it must first be certified by a notary.
Cost: another 670 UAH (for individuals). Timeline: another up to 3 business days.
Result: you now have two separate documents: 1. The original with an apostille stamp 2. The notarized translation with an apostille stamp
You submit both together to the foreign institution.
How Much Does a Double Apostille Cost: Full Breakdown¶
Let’s calculate the real cost with a specific example. Imagine you’re collecting documents for Italy - a birth certificate, a diploma with supplement, and a police clearance. Three documents, each requiring a double apostille.
Cost of One Document with Double Apostille¶
| Expense item | Amount (UAH) |
|---|---|
| First apostille (on original) | 670 |
| Translation (standard page) | 300-600 |
| Notarization of translation | 200-400 |
| Second apostille (on translation) | 670 |
| Total per document | 1,840-2,340 |
Package of 3 Documents for Italy¶
| Item | Single apostille (for Germany) | Double (for Italy) |
|---|---|---|
| Apostilles | 3 x 670 = 2,010 UAH | 6 x 670 = 4,020 UAH |
| Translations | Done in Germany | 3 x ~450 = 1,350 UAH |
| Notarization | Not needed | 3 x ~300 = 900 UAH |
| Total | ~2,010 UAH | ~6,270 UAH |
That’s roughly three times the cost. And if the document has multiple pages (a diploma with supplement can be 10-15 pages), the translation costs even more.
Add possible courier fees (if you’re abroad and sending documents through relatives), agent service fees - and an Italy package easily exceeds 10,000-12,000 UAH (~$240-290).
Timelines¶
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| First apostille | Up to 3 business days |
| Translation | 1-3 business days |
| Notarization | Same day |
| Second apostille | Another up to 3 business days |
| Minimum total | ~7-10 business days |
Realistically, plan for two weeks per document. If you have multiple documents from different ministries (diploma through the Ministry of Education, birth certificate through the Ministry of Justice), you can run processes in parallel, but still count on 2-3 weeks.
More on all costs in our apostille price guide 2026.
How to Get a Double Apostille from Abroad¶
This is a separate headache for those who’ve already left Ukraine. You’re in Rome, you need documents in a month, and apostilles can only be issued in Ukraine. What do you do?
Option 1: Through a Power of Attorney for a Relative or Friend¶
You issue a notarized power of attorney to someone in Ukraine - a relative, friend, colleague. The power of attorney can be issued at a Ukrainian consulate or with a local notary followed by legalization.
Your authorized person acts on your behalf to: - Obtain or collect the original documents - Submit for the first apostille - Take them to a translator and notary - Submit for the second apostille - Send you the completed package by courier
Downside: you need someone you trust who has time to visit offices. Plus costs for the power of attorney (from 500 UAH at the consulate) and courier delivery (200-500 UAH for DHL/Nova Poshta Global).
Option 2: Through a Legal Service Company¶
Many companies in Ukraine specialize in exactly this - “apostille turnkey.” You send them scans of your documents (or originals by courier), they handle everything: apostille, translation, notarization, second apostille - and send you the completed package.
Agent service costs: 500-2,000 UAH on top of base expenses, depending on complexity and urgency. Some companies charge a flat rate per “package” - for example, 5,000-8,000 UAH for full processing of one document with a double apostille.
Important: an agent can’t speed up the Ministry of Justice. 3 business days is the minimum. But they save you time on logistics, queues, and stress.
Option 3: E-Apostille Through Diia (Limited)¶
The e-apostille through Diia works for some documents (like police clearance certificates). But for double apostilles, there’s a significant limitation: the second apostille (on the notarized translation) can only be placed physically through the Ministry of Justice. So e-apostille can cover the first step, but the full double apostille chain isn’t automated yet.
More on remote options in our article about getting an apostille from abroad through a representative.
Common Mistakes with Double Apostilles¶
Got a Double “Just in Case” - Overpaid¶
Someone’s going to Germany and “for safety” gets a double apostille on everything. Result: at least 2,000-3,000 UAH overpaid for three documents and an extra week of waiting. And Germany doesn’t even require a double apostille.
Extra apostilles won’t hurt legally - the document will still be accepted. But they’ll hurt your wallet and deadlines. Check requirements before paying.
Didn’t Get a Double When Needed - Got Rejected¶
Someone submits documents to Italy for Dichiarazione di Valore. Got one apostille on the original, had the translation notarized - but didn’t get the second apostille. The consulate rejects it: “manca il secondo apostille.” Back to square one: at least another week or two if you’re in Ukraine. If you’re abroad - much longer, because you need to organize everything through someone else.
Mixed Up the Sequence¶
The correct order for a double apostille: 1. Apostille on the original 2. Translation (including the apostille text) 3. Notarization of the translation 4. Apostille on the notarized translation
Any change = start over. For example, if you translated first and then got the apostille on the original, your translation won’t include the apostille text. You’ll need to redo the translation and notarization.
The correct sequence is detailed in our article on apostille or translation first.
Relied on a Friend’s Experience¶
“My friend submitted to Spain without a double apostille and they accepted it” - maybe their friend submitted to a different office, or the clerk was lenient, or requirements were different then. The only reliable source is the official requirements of the specific institution.
Forgot About Documents That Can’t Be Apostilled¶
Passports, military IDs, employment record books - these can’t be apostilled. If a foreign institution needs an employment record book with a double apostille, you first need to get a notarized extract from it, and then apostille that. Full list in our article on documents that can’t be apostilled.
How to Find Out If You Need a Double Apostille¶
Decision-making algorithm - three steps.
Step 1: Check if the country is part of the Hague Convention. If not, apostilles don’t work at all - you need consular legalization.
Step 2: Check the specific institution’s requirements. Visit the website or email the authority where you’re submitting documents. Ask: “Do I need a double apostille on the translation?”
Step 3: If you can’t find info, look at the country. Romance-law countries (Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium) - most likely yes. Germanic (Germany, Austria) and common-law (USA, Canada, UK) - most likely no. But this is a general guideline, not a guarantee.
Additional information sources: - Ukraine Ministry of Justice website - apostille procedure - Ukrainian embassy websites in the relevant countries - Legal companies: LegalAb, BrovarJust - Our general step-by-step apostille guide 2026 for basic questions
And remember: the apostille and translation are just part of the legalization process. Some countries have additional procedures after the apostille. In Italy, the translation goes through asseverazione. In France, you need a traducteur assermenté. In Spain - a traductor jurado. These requirements are on top of the double apostille.
FAQ¶
Can I get a double apostille online?¶
Fully online - no. The first apostille on some documents (like police clearance) can be obtained through Diia. But the second apostille (on the notarized translation) is still only issued physically through the Ministry of Justice. Notarization of the translation also requires in-person attendance (or an authorized representative). So at least part of the process has to be done offline.
How much does a double apostille cost in 2026?¶
The stamps alone - 2 x 670 = 1,340 UAH (~$32) for individuals. Plus translation (300-600 UAH), notarization (200-400 UAH). One document runs 1,840-2,340 UAH (~$45-57). For a package of 3-4 documents, count on 6,000-10,000 UAH (~$145-240) total. Through an agent, add 500-2,000 UAH for their services.
How long does a double apostille take?¶
Minimum 7-10 business days if everything goes smoothly: up to 3 days for the first apostille + 1-3 days for translation + 1 day for notarization + up to 3 days for the second apostille. Realistically - two weeks. If you’re abroad and doing everything through a representative - three to four weeks including shipping.
Do I need a double apostille for Soviet-era documents?¶
If you have a Soviet-era document (birth certificate before 1991, USSR diploma), the procedure has additional nuances. Verification of the document may be needed first. But the double apostille principle doesn’t change - if the country requires a double, it’s needed for Soviet documents too. More details in our article on apostilles for Soviet-era documents.
Do I need a double apostille for the UAE?¶
The UAE isn’t a member of the Hague Convention. So neither a regular apostille nor a double apostille works for the UAE - you need consular legalization. That’s a different, more complex procedure.
If I get a double apostille “just in case” for a country that doesn’t require it, will that cause problems?¶
No, an extra apostille won’t cause legal issues. The document will be accepted. But you’ll spend an extra 670 UAH on the stamp, 300-600 UAH on translation, 200-400 UAH on notarization, and a week of time. If money and time aren’t critical, you can play it safe. But it’s better to just check the requirements in advance.
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