The requirements for the legalization of Canadian documents at the Embassy of Russia in Ottawa have changed. Before you begin the authentication and legalization process, you should carefully review the requirements listed on the website of the Embassy of Russia.
If you have Canadian documents that you want to use in the Russian Federation, you will need to have them authenticated and legalized. Other terms for this process that may be used include apostille and attestation.
The authentication and legalization process involves two steps. First your documents will need to be authenticated at Global Affairs Canada. Next, they will need to be submitted for legalization to the appropriate diplomatic mission of the Russian Federation in Canada. While this process is theoretically straightforward, in practice it can be confusing and complicated.
Some of the most common types of documents that may be required for use abroad are birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational documents, power of attorney documents, criminal record checks, and commercial documents. Each type of document may have different requirements for the authentication and legalization process. It is important to research the requirements in advance.
The diplomatic missions of the Russian Federation operate with strict jurisdictional guidelines. The origins of your documents will determine whether your documents must go to the embassy in Ottawa or to one of the consulates in Toronto or Montreal. In addition, there are specific supporting documents that must be submitted along with your documents for legalization.
If you have questions or need help having your documents authenticated and legalized for use in the Russian Federation, give us a call toll free at 1-888-433-1011 or visit us at idocscanada.ca. We would be happy to assist you with the apostille, or authentication and legalization process.
