Preparing documents for use abroad

Apostille, document legalisation and translation services in Riga

We prepare documents for use in Latvia and abroad, from translation and notarisation to Apostille certification or legalisation.

3-question form

Answer 3 questions and get 10% off Apostille

Answer 3 questions to get initial guidance on preparing your document.

Get Apostille discountAnswer 3 short questions. The discount is valid for 1 day.
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Apostille, document legalisation and translation services in Riga
Popular documents

Apostille, document legalisation and translation services in Riga

We help individuals and companies prepare documents for foreign authorities. The work may include translation, notarisation of the translation, an Apostille, legalisation or a combination of these services.

About the company

PFAT translation bureau and Apostille.lv

PFAT translation bureau works with document legalisation and written translations of texts of different complexity and volume.

PFAT is a team of professional translators, editors and proofreaders helping prepare personal, education, legal and company documents for submission in Latvia and abroad.

96%

Clients trust us

96% of our clients continue working with us and recommend us as a reliable and careful service provider.

Apostille and legalisation

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the public document has acted and, where appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp. It does not certify the document’s content.

An Apostille is used to authenticate a public document for presentation abroad when the Hague Apostille Convention applies and no exemption from authentication is available.

An Apostille may be used for public documents that fall within the scope of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. The applicable procedure depends on the document and destination country.

Process

How to order Apostille?

Order submission

To receive Apostille or place a translation order, bring the document originals to our office or send scanned documents to birojs@pfat.lv.

Information review

Our project manager will review the documents, clarify the details and confirm the price and processing time.

Order processing

After clarifying all details, we start the translation, notarial certification, Apostille or legalisation work.

Your documents are ready

We will notify you when the documents are available for collection at our office or for delivery to the specified address.

Why PFAT

Why choose PFAT?

Accuracy, personal communication and reliable deadlines are at the heart of our work.

Professionalism

We specialise in legal texts, public documents and different types of translation certification.

Individual approach

We review the document and destination country and explain which PFAT services may be suitable for the specific case.

Punctuality

We respond promptly and meet the agreed completion dates.

Urgent translations

We prepare urgent translations quickly without compromising quality.

3-question form

Answer 3 questions and get 10% off Apostille

Answer 3 questions to get initial guidance on preparing your document.

Answer 3 questions and get 10% off Apostille
Ready0%

The apostille discount is valid for 24 hours after completing the form.

What document needs to be prepared?

Choose the document type. If it is not listed, choose "Other document".

Popular documents

Most requested documents

Notarial certification of translations, legalisation or Apostille certification may be needed for civil registry documents, education documents, certificates, notarial documents, company documents and other legal documents.

Reviews

What our clients say

Real Google reviews of the PFAT Apostille office in Riga, loaded straight from Google Maps.

4.8Google reviews: 371
See all on Google
  • Very helpful. I emailed them multiple times regarding my specific case, they called me back every time and was very helpful. When I came to Riga, I had very limited time and they sped up to help me get my documents. Very good and professional service.

  • Очень быстрый и качественный 👌👌

  • Truly quick and professional translation service. PFAT translated a complicated document from German to Latvian for us.

  • Timely, efficient, professional service. Matter solved within shortest possible time. Very positive experience. Thanks a lot to the Personnel! Surely, do recommend to others.

  • Cena = kvalitāte! Lieliski!

  • Нужно было быстро сделать перевод паспорта и свидетельства о рождении, с заверением - сделали за три дня, вдвое быстрее чем обещали. Спасибо! Рекомендую

  • I had very tight schedule to get the documents translated, with apostille and notary confirmation. PFAT did it seamlessly in just 2 days! Highly recommend!!

  • Very quick and great quality service! Highly recommended.

  • Atsaucīgi un ātri. Paldies.

  • Viss ir lieliski, rūpīgi un ļoti ātri!!! Paldies!!!

  • Vienmēr visātrākie tulkojumi! Vissuperīgākā pieņemšana un ekstra super serviss!

  • Very good and fast, thanks, have a nice day!!

  • Tulkoju tur igauņu dokumentus iepirkumiem Viss super!

  • Очень хороший сервис, рекомендую.

  • Jau vairākkārt izmantoju PFAT pakalpojumus. Viss vienmēr ātri, korekti un bez aizķeršanās. Paldies!

  • Спасибо за хорошее обслуживание, быстрые и качественные переводы. Персонал все хорошо объясняет, документы готовят быстро. Всем рекомендую.

  • Это лучше бюро переводов в Риге, на мой взгляд. Нотариальный перевод, апостиль. Всё очень быстро, сотрудники- прекрасные!!! This is better than the translation agency in Riga, in my opinion. Notarized translation, apostille. Everything is very fast, the staff is wonderful!!!

  • Excellent service from start to finish. Handing over my documents for translation was a simple and efficient process. Everything was explained clearly. My documents were translated expertly in and the turnaround time was impressive! Thank you so much

  • Izcila apkalpošana, strādā ātri un precīzi. Personāls ļoti pretīnākošs un pēc savas iniciatīvas iesaka klientam visoptimālāko risinājumu. Noteikti atgriezīšos!

  • Pie PFAT tulkošanas biroja vēršos jau ne pirmo reizi, un katru reizi palieku ļoti apmierināts ar rezultātu. Darbs tiek veikts ātri, kvalitatīvi un ar lielu uzmanību pret detaļām. Tulkojumi vienmēr ir precīzi, gramatiski pareizi un pilnībā atbilst oriģinālam. Īpaši patīkami ir sadarboties ar komandu — darbinieki ir pieklājīgi, atsaucīgi un vienmēr gatavi palīdzēt. Visi termiņi tiek stingri ievēroti, kas man ir ļoti svarīgi. Ar pārliecību varu ieteikt PFAT kā uzticamu tulkošanas biroju. Noteikti vērsīšos vēlreiz!

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Key answers

FAQ

What is an apostille?

An apostille certifies the origin of a public document for use in another country. It does not confirm the content itself, but helps the receiving institution verify the signature, seal or official capacity.

Can I send a document remotely?

Yes, a photo or PDF is enough for the first assessment, although the original may be required later.

Can apostille preparation be handled remotely?

Part of the preparation can start remotely after reviewing a photo or PDF of the document. If the original is required, we explain it before the next step.

What affects the apostille price?

The price depends on the document type, destination country requirements, translation needs, notarisation, urgency and delivery method.

When is a notarised translation needed?

A notarised translation is needed when the institution requires an officially certified translation rather than a simple text translation. We check the required certification before processing the order.

Is rush/urgent processing available?

Yes, for most services we offer expedited processing for an additional fee. We'll confirm the exact rush timeline and price once we've reviewed your document.

What is the difference between apostille and legalisation?

An Apostille is used where the Hague Apostille procedure applies to the document and destination country. Legalisation may be required if that procedure does not apply and no exemption exists.

How does payment work?

You can pay by bank transfer or card. Prepayment is usually required before work begins; exact terms are agreed individually for each order.

Which languages do you translate?

We translate to and from Latvian, English and Russian, and can also arrange many other language combinations through our network of verified translators. Let us know the language pair you need and we'll confirm whether we can help.

Which documents can be sent for review?

You can send birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, statements, powers of attorney, company documents and other documents for review. After checking them, we clarify the correct process.

How long does a standard order take?

Standard turnaround is usually a few business days to a week, depending on the service and how busy the relevant authorities are. We'll confirm the exact timeline after reviewing your document.

Can I receive the translation electronically?

Yes, the finished translation can usually be sent electronically as a PDF. If you need the original with a stamp and signature, you can also collect it at our office or have it delivered by courier.

Which countries require legalisation instead of an apostille?

Legalisation is usually required for countries that haven't joined the Hague Convention. Requirements vary by destination country and institution, so we confirm the correct procedure before starting your order.

Should translation or apostille be done first?

The correct order depends on the destination country and the receiving institution. We check whether apostille, translation, notary certification or legalisation should come first.

Is a photo or PDF enough to start?

For the first review, a clear photo or PDF is usually enough. After checking the document, we will tell you whether the original is needed for final preparation.

How is an Apostille issued in Latvia?

Since 1 July 2019, Apostilles in Latvia have been issued only by sworn notaries and signed only electronically. PFAT can help prepare documents for the Apostille process.

What if my document type is not listed?

Choose “Other document” in the form or send a document photo. We will check the issuing authority, destination country and required preparation route.

Can you certify or apostille a copy instead of the original?

In some cases a notarised copy can be used, but most procedures require the original document. We confirm the specific requirement after reviewing the document type and destination country.

Can documents be delivered by courier or mail?

Yes, we can send finished documents by courier or mail both within Latvia and abroad. Delivery cost and timing are confirmed separately when you request delivery.

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Apostille, document legalisation and translation services in Riga

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