Signing Documents Before a Notary: Apostille or Legalization by Country (for Bulgaria)

When foreign individuals or companies sign documents intended for use in Bulgaria—such as powers of attorney, declarations, corporate resolutions, or affidavits—the formal requirements depend on the country where the document is notarized.

Understanding whether a document requires an apostille, consular legalization, or no legalization at all is essential to avoid delays, rejections, and unnecessary costs.

This guide explains the rules and provides a complete country-by-country table.

1. General Rules at a Glance

A) Countries with bilateral legal-assistance treaties with Bulgaria

➡ NO apostille required
➡ NO consular legalization required
➡ Only notarial certification + translation (if applicable)

B) Countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention

➡ Apostille required
➡ No consular legalization

C) Countries with no treaty and not Hague members

➡ Full consular legalization required

2. Countries with Bilateral Treaties with Bulgaria

(No Apostille / No Legalization Required)

For the countries listed below, official and notarized documents issued by competent authorities are recognized directly in Bulgaria, provided they bear the official seal and signature of the issuing authority.

✅ Legal basis

Bilateral treaties on legal assistance explicitly exempt documents from legalization and apostille requirements. 

3. Complete Table – Countries Where Apostille Is NOT Required

Country Apostille Required Consular Legalization Notes
Albania ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Algeria ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Armenia ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Austria ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Azerbaijan ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Belarus ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Bosnia and Herzegovina ❌ No ❌ No Yugoslavia treaty succession
China ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Croatia ❌ No ❌ No Yugoslavia treaty succession
Cuba ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Cyprus ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Czech Republic ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
France ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Georgia ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Greece ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Hungary ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Italy ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Kuwait ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Lebanon ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Libya ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Mongolia ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Montenegro ❌ No ❌ No Yugoslavia treaty succession
North Korea (DPRK) ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
North Macedonia ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Poland ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Romania ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Russia ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Serbia ❌ No ❌ No Yugoslavia treaty succession
Slovakia ❌ No ❌ No Succession from Czechoslovakia
Slovenia ❌ No ❌ No Yugoslavia treaty succession
Spain ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Syria ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Ukraine ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Uzbekistan ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Vietnam ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty
Yemen ❌ No ❌ No Bilateral treaty

 

* The following countries Double-Treaties do not explicitly mark "notary" so there is a moderate risk they might need additional certifications: Austria, Algeria, China, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Kuwait, Mongolia, North Korea (DPRK), Yemen.

4. Practical Examples

Example 1: Spain → Bulgaria

A declaration notarized in Spain:

  • ❌ No apostille

  • ❌ No consular legalization

  • ✅ Only certified translation (if required)

Example 2: USA → Bulgaria

A power of attorney notarized in the USA:

  • ✅ Apostille required

  • ❌ No consular legalization

Example 3: UAE → Bulgaria

A document notarized in the UAE:

  • ❌ No apostille

  • ✅ Full consular legalization required

5. Translation Requirements (Important)

Even when apostille or legalization is not required, Bulgarian authorities may still require:

  • Certified translation into Bulgarian, and

  • Translation performed by a licensed Bulgarian translator

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Apostilling documents unnecessarily
❌ Consular legalization when a treaty applies
❌ Notarization by unauthorized persons
❌ Missing official seals
❌ Using uncertified translations

7. Professional Note / Disclaimer

This article provides general legal information based on international treaties and Bulgarian administrative practice.
Specific authorities may impose additional formal requirements depending on the document type and procedure.

8. Need Help?

We assist with:

  • Determining correct legalization route

  • Drafting notary-ready templates

  • Coordinating translations

  • Handling company formation & corporate filings

👉 Contact us before notarization to avoid costly mistakes.