Consular Legalization of Documents in Kazakhstan

Within a country, official documents are recognized without additional confirmation of their authenticity. However, when a document is used abroad, proof of its origin may be required. This is because the receiving party, as a rule, knows neither the person who signed the document, nor their position, nor the government body that applied the seal or stamp.

For this reason, many countries have introduced a requirement to confirm the authenticity of a foreign document through an authorized official who is familiar with the features of the document and can certify its origin. This is how the consular legalization procedure came about.

How long does consular legalization take?

Legalization is a sequential procedure for confirming the authenticity of a document at two levels: first in the state where it was issued, then in the country where it will be used.

There are two legalization options:

• Two-step — confirmation of the document in the country of issue and then in the destination country.
• Three-step — an additional level is added, most often the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another central authority.

Timeframes depend on the specifics of the document, the country where it was issued, and how busy the authorities are. On average the procedure takes 7 to 30 business days.

Scenario No. 1: simplified two-step legalization

• Affixing the legalization stamp by the competent authority in the country of origin (usually 3–5 business days).
• Confirmation of the document in the destination country (3–5 business days).

Example: a diploma issued in Canada and intended for use in Kazakhstan — first the Canadian MFA certifies the authenticity of seals and signatures, then the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada confirms the seals and signatures of the Canadian MFA.

Scenario No. 2: extended three-step legalization

• Confirmation of the document in the country of issue (3–5 business days).
• Certification at the consulate of the destination country in the issuing state (3–5 business days).
• Final confirmation by the authorized body of the destination country (3–5 business days).

Example: a diploma from Canada, if the recipient cannot apply to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada — the Canadian MFA certifies the signatures and seals, then, instead of applying to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada, the applicant submits the documents to the Embassy of Canada in Kazakhstan, and the MFA of Kazakhstan (Consular Service Department) confirms the signatures and seals of the Canadian embassy.

Thus, each stage is aimed at step-by-step confirmation of the authenticity of signatures and seals, so that the document is considered valid in another country.

Who is exempt from consular legalization?

• Citizens of countries that have joined the 1961 Hague Convention. A simplified procedure — the apostille — applies to them.
• Persons from countries with which Kazakhstan has concluded bilateral treaties abolishing legalization. For example, the Minsk and Chisinau conventions.

List of such countries: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine.

Countries that are not party to the Hague Convention (legalization is mandatory)

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Kuwait, China (except Hong Kong and Macau), Costa Rica, Canada, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, Uruguay, Chile, Qatar and others.

How much does consular legalization cost in Kazakhstan?

Prices depend on the country and type of document. Example: a diploma issued in Kazakhstan and intended for Canada:

• Legalization at the MFA of Kazakhstan: state fee — 0.5 MCI.
• Legalization at the Canadian embassy: consular fee — 50 Canadian dollars.

Additionally: payment for translator, notary and legal consultant services.

Which documents require consular legalization?

• Educational documents
• Birth certificates
• Marriage / divorce certificates
• Registration documents of organizations
• Certificates from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and archives
• Powers of attorney
• Notarized translations and other official documents

Which documents are required for a legalization application?

• Copy of an identity document (bring the original).
• Notarized translation of the document.
• Receipt for payment of the fee.
• Power of attorney, if a representative is filing.

⚠️ Important: the list of documents for legal entities may differ — please check with our consultants.

What regulations is the procedure based on?

The procedure is governed by the Rules of Consular Legalization approved by Order No. 264 of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 21 November 2000.

Stages of the procedure

⚠️ Important: either the original document or its notarized copy can be legalized. Please clarify this in advance with the relevant authority.

Possible difficulties

• Notaries' signature specimens missing from the database of the Consular Service Department of the MFA of Kazakhstan. This requires sending official requests, which extends the timeframes.
• Technical requirements for documents: binding, seals, use of ribbon, etc.
• For legal entities: mandatory submission of constituent documents.
• Payment of the consular fee — strictly in accordance with the rules (payment order from the legal entity or personal payment by an individual).
• Individuals must pay the fees themselves, without a power of attorney.