Which document proves a surname change?
In Belarus, surnames are most often changed upon marriage or divorce; the change is then confirmed by a marriage or divorce certificate. If the surname was changed separately, the civil registry office issues a certificate of change of surname, given name or patronymic. A civil registry record extract can help when you do not have the certificate itself. We will advise which document is needed in your case.
Who issues the apostille?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus issues apostilles for civil registry documents, including surname change documents. An apostille verifies the signature and seal. The document is then accepted in countries party to the 1961 Hague Convention without consular legalisation.
Diploma in your previous surname
The most common situation is a diploma issued in your maiden name and a passport in your married name. The surname on the diploma itself is not changed. Instead, a marriage certificate with an apostille and translation is submitted alongside the diploma. You can arrange both documents through us in one order.
Is a translation needed?
Almost always, yes. Poland requires a translation by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły). It is important that the Latin-letter spelling of your surname in the translation matches your passport; otherwise, a new discrepancy will arise. Send a photo of your passport with your order and the translator will check the spelling.
Timeframes and what to prepare
An apostille is usually ready in 7–14 working days, or 5 with urgent service. If a replacement certificate or civil registry extract is needed, it takes longer; we will give you an exact date in your quote. For a quote, send photos of the documents with different surnames and tell us when and why your surname changed.