Most foreign documents submitted for Polish immigration purposes require apostille certification and sworn translation. Understanding these requirements prevents application delays and ensures your documents are accepted by Polish authorities.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a standardized certification under the 1961 Hague Convention that authenticates documents for use in foreign countries. It replaces the older, more complex process of diplomatic legalization. Over 120 countries participate in the apostille system.
Documents that typically require apostille for Polish immigration include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, criminal record clearances, educational diplomas, and professional qualifications.
The Process
Obtain the original document from the issuing authority. Have it apostilled by the designated competent authority in the issuing country — this is typically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a court, or a notary authority depending on the document type and country. After apostille, have the document translated into Polish by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły) registered with the Polish Ministry of Justice.
Sworn translations cost approximately 30-50 PLN per page. The apostille itself varies by country but typically costs €10-€50. Some countries offer expedited apostille services for an additional fee.