Is an apostille needed in Poland?
The Poland–Ukraine legal assistance agreement of 24 May 1993 exempts official documents from legalisation (Art. 15). That's why registry and voivodeship offices usually accept Ukrainian certificates without an apostille — just with a sworn translation. Universities, NAWA, employers and private bodies sometimes still demand one; ask them to confirm in writing.
When an apostille is definitely needed
If a Ukrainian document is to be used not in Poland but in another country — Spain, Germany, Czechia — you need a Ukrainian apostille under the Hague Convention. Diplomas also need one for admission or recognition if the university requires it.
Who issues apostilles in Ukraine
Civil-status certificates, notarial and court documents — the Ministry of Justice and its regional bodies; education documents — the Ministry of Education and Science; other official documents — Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 1 February 2026 the Ministry of Justice uses a new electronic procedure with an Electronic Register of Apostilles.
How to do it from Poland
Options: apply through a representative in Ukraine holding a notarial power of attorney, use electronic services if the document is in the register, or have a partner provider file it. If you don't have the original, we first order a repeat certificate (duplicate) and then the apostille.
Translation after the apostille
For a Polish institution, the apostilled document is translated in full, including the apostille text, by a sworn translator. For another country, the translation follows that country's rules — we'll advise.