What is the Official Document Recognition Map?

An interactive map showing each country's official requirements for recognising foreign documents, including when certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation are needed.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

When do I need a certified translation?

A certified translation is typically required when submitting foreign language documents to government agencies, courts, or official institutions. Requirements vary by country - use the map to check specific country requirements.

What's the difference between legalisation and an apostille?

Apostille is used between countries that are part of the Hague Convention (simplified process), while legalisation is the traditional process used between countries not part of the convention, often requiring multiple steps through foreign ministries and embassies.

Translation Requirements for Russia

Russia 🇷🇺

Requirement: Notarised

Requirements summary

Apostille required	Required for foreign public documents unless exempt by treaty
Translation type required	Notarised translation
Who can translate	Any competent translator whose signature can be notarised
Official translator registry	No national sworn or licensed translator registry
Accepted languages	Russian
Legalisation authority	Ministry of Justice / Ministry of Foreign Affairs (apostille)
Official source	Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation

Important: In Russia, the legal validity of a translation derives from the notarisation of the translator’s signature — not from translator licensing.

Official Notarial Authority Information

Who can translate

Russia does not operate a court-sworn or licensed translator system. Any competent translator may prepare a translation.

However, for official use, the translator’s signature must be certified by a Russian notary.

What makes a translation official

A notarised translation in Russia typically includes:

The original document
The full translation into Russian
A notarial certificate confirming the authenticity of the translator’s signature

The notary does not verify translation quality — only the identity of the translator and authenticity of their signature.

Where can I find a notary?

Official notaries in Russia are registered with Rosreestr (Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography).

You can search by region using the official notary portal: Official Notary Search (Rosreestr) .

Documents from abroad

Foreign public documents intended for use in Russia must:

Be apostilled or legalised in the country of origin (unless treaty exemptions apply)
Be translated into Russian
Have the translation notarised by a Russian notary

Legal basis

Notarial activities in Russia are governed by the Fundamentals of Notarial Legislation of the Russian Federation. Apostilles are issued by competent regional authorities in accordance with the Hague Apostille Convention.

Official Document Recognition Map - Translation, Apostille & Legalisation Rules by Country

Legalisation and translation requirements in Russia