An Apostille is not required for public documents from EU countries in certain cases, but a translation may still be required when the document is not in the Croatian language or when the institution does not accept it without a translation. Check if the recipient requests a multilingual form, a certified translation or additional attachments. For a secure assessment, send the entire document and indicate the institution to which you are submitting it.

Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 simplified the use of certain public documents between the member states of the European Union. Member States may not require Apostilles or similar legalization for documents covered by the Regulation. However, this does not mean that every document from another member state can automatically be submitted without translation.

What documents can be covered?

The regulation refers to certain public documents that prove facts such as birth, death, marriage, registered partnership, residence, citizenship and the absence of a criminal record. The exact scope depends on the document and the way each country issues it.

They are among the relevant documents for Croatia birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, certificate of unmarried status, certificate of life partnership, certificate of residence or residency and certificate of no criminal record.

What does the cancellation of the Apostille mean?

If the document is covered by the Regulation and is issued by the authority of an EU member state, the authority of another member state may not request it Apostille only to confirm the authenticity of the document. In case of reasonable doubt, authorities can verify authenticity through the European data exchange system.

Is translation still necessary in Croatia?

Croatia stated that it accepts public documents in the Croatian language for proceedings before Croatian authorities. For this reason, a document from another member state may still need a translation into Croatian.

In some cases, the authority issuing the document may attach multilingual standard form. Such a form serves as an aid to translation and may eliminate the need for a separate translation if the information is clear enough and accepted by the competent authority.

When is a certified translation required?

A certified translation by a court interpreter may be required when:

•     the document is not accompanied by a corresponding multilingual form;
•     the form does not contain all the data from the original;
•     there are additional notes, judgments, seals or text not covered by the form;
•     the document is not among the documents covered by the Regulation;
•     the institution needs a complete translation for decision making in the procedure.

Examples from practice

Birth certificate from an EU member state: As a rule, an apostille is not required if the document is in the area of application of the Regulation. If a multilingual standard form has been issued with it, a translation may not be necessary. Without a form, the Croatian authority can request a translation.

Diploma from another member state: degree is not automatically covered by simplification for all purposes. Special documents and translations may be requested in the qualification recognition process.

Court decision: recognition and enforcement of court decisions are governed by other rules. The Regulation on Public Documents is not a general rule for all judgments and court proceedings.

How to proceed before the translation?

1. Check whether the document is issued by an EU member state.
2. Check whether the type of document is covered by the Regulation.
3. Request a multilingual standard form if available.
4. Ask the Croatian authority if they accept the form without a full translation.
5. If a translation is required, provide the court interpreter with the document and the form.

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INFORMATION NOTE

The content is informative in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The requirements may differ depending on the country, the competent authority, the type of procedure and the specific document. Before submitting, you should always check the current instructions of the competent institution.