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Apostila

What does “Apostila” mean in Czechia?

Apostille is an international certification of a document for use abroad. And the most important thing you need to know about it is: Ukrainian documents do not need it in the Czech Republic.

🔴 Why it is not needed

There is a bilateral treaty between Ukraine and the Czech Republic, č. 123/2002 Sb. m. s., in force since 08.11.2002.
Its Article 18 directly states: documents are used without further certification.

What is needed instead

Only a translation by a sworn translator (soudní tlumočník). That's all.

Where the myth comes from

⚠️ The general page of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MŠMT) requires certification through the embassy — but this rule is for countries with which there is NO treaty. Ukrainians read the general instructions, do not notice the exception, and pay for a procedure that no one requires from them.

Important. 🔴 This is one of the most expensive myths of Czech bureaucracy for Ukrainians. An Apostille on a Ukrainian document is wasted money and weeks of time. Reason for refusal: treaty no. 123/2002 Coll. of Treaties, art. 18.

Examples of use

You do not need an apostille for a Ukrainian diploma.

You do not need an Apostille for a Ukrainian diploma.

Between the Czech Republic and Ukraine, there is an agreement, so an apostille is not needed.

A treaty is in effect between the Czech Republic and Ukraine, so an Apostila is not needed.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you need an Apostila on a Ukrainian school certificate or diploma?

No. A bilateral agreement č. 123/2002 Sb. m. s. (Art. 18) is in effect — documents are used without further legalization. Only a translation by a sworn interpreter is needed.

Why does the MŠMT (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports) website then mention certification through the embassy?

This is a general rule for countries WITHOUT a bilateral agreement. Ukraine has an agreement, so this rule does not apply to it.