Prisiekęs vertimas / Lietuvos įmonės dokumentų apostilizavimas

When working with Lithuanian business partners or public authorities, foreign documents may need to be translated into Lithuanian and, where required, certified by a notary or another competent professional. Lithuania does not operate a universal sworn translator certification system equivalent to those established in certain other European countries. The required form of translation certification depends on the receiving institution, the type of document and applicable legislation. In certain cases, a translator’s signature must be authenticated by a Lithuanian notary. A certified translation provides an authenticated translation of the original document but does not automatically have the same legal status as the original. Its acceptance depends on the requirements of the receiving authority, financial institution or other organisation. Notarial certification of a translator’s signature does not, by itself, confirm the legal validity or authenticity of the underlying document. Apostille certification or consular legalisation may be required separately where applicable.

Professional translators may prepare translations and assist clients with arranging the required certification procedures. However, officially certified copies of documents must be issued or authenticated by a person or authority legally empowered to perform that function, such as a Lithuanian notary or the relevant issuing authority. A translator does not automatically have the legal authority to certify copies merely by providing translation services.

An apostille is a government issued certificate, the purpose of which is to authenticate a document for use in a foreign country. Essentially, it confirms the authenticity of the signature, the position of the signatory and the seal or stamp on the document. In Lithuania, apostilles are issued primarily by Lithuanian notaries in accordance with the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention and national legislation. Lithuanian consular officers may also issue apostilles within their statutory competence. Since 1 October 2026, Lithuanian notaries have been authorised to issue electronic apostilles for eligible documents signed with a qualified electronic signature or certified with a qualified electronic seal. Electronic apostilles are processed through the e.Notaras information system. The list of the competent institutions can be found here.

Public documents issued in a country that is a party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention may require an apostille when presented in another contracting country. However, an apostille is not automatically required for every foreign document. Exemptions may arise under applicable international agreements, EU legislation or the receiving authority’s requirements. Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 eliminates apostille requirements for certain public documents exchanged between EU Member States, although it does not generally cover corporate incorporation documents. Foreign company documents submitted for Lithuanian company registration must be assessed individually to determine whether apostille certification, legalisation or translation is necessary. If a document was issued in a country that didn’t take part in the convention, an apostille may not suffice, as further legalisation or attestation via their embassy will be required. Legalisation in this case means double validation of the documents – in the country that issued the document and in the country where the document will be presented.

The team of Company in Lithuania UAB offers sworn translation / apostilisation of the following documents:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Įstatai
• List of shareholders/beneficiaries

Apostilled and translated corporate documents may be required when opening a corporate bank account, establishing a Lithuanian subsidiary or branch, transferring company shares or completing other corporate transactions. However, providing these documents does not automatically guarantee account opening or successful registration. Banks and other financial institutions must independently assess customers under applicable AML/KYC requirements, including verification of shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, the source of funds and the proposed business activities. Additional documents or identification procedures may be required.

Before sending hard copies of the company documents by mail, we’ll email you scanned versions of them.