NEWS / Rwanda accedes to Apostille Convention

On October 6, 2023, Rwanda deposited its instrument of accession to the Apostille Convention, an international treaty that simplifies the legalization of public documents for use abroad. This marks a significant milestone for Rwanda, as it will make it easier and faster for Rwandan businesses and individuals to conduct international transactions.

The Apostille Convention, also known as the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, was adopted in 1961 and has since been ratified by over 120 countries. It allows for the legalization of public documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, educational diplomas, and commercial contracts, by means of a single apostille stamp. This eliminates the need for the lengthy and costly process of legalization through multiple government agencies.

Rwanda's accession to the Apostille Convention is expected to have a number of benefits for the country. First, it will make it easier for Rwandan businesses to export their goods and services to foreign markets. Second, it will simplify the process for Rwandan students to study abroad and for Rwandan professionals to work internationally. Third, it will make it easier for Rwandan citizens to obtain visas and other travel documents for foreign travel.

In addition to the practical benefits, Rwanda's accession to the Apostille Convention is also a symbolic gesture of the country's commitment to international cooperation and trade. By joining the Convention, Rwanda is signaling to the world that it is open for business and that it is committed to making it easy for foreign businesses and individuals to operate in the country.

Rwanda's accession to the Apostille Convention is a welcome development that will make it easier and faster for Rwandan businesses and individuals to conduct international transactions. It is also a sign of Rwanda's commitment to international cooperation and trade.

Note that the accession will take fully effect in June 2024. Until then, if you need to use a US-issued document in Rwanda, you will need to undergo the chain legalization process, obtaining authentication certificates from the state and federal government before submitting the document for legalization with the Rwandan embassy.

A&M Logos International can take care of the entire legalization process from A to Z. We can also retrieve certified copies of most personal and corporate documents that you may need to present in Rwanda. Call us today at (212) 233-7061 or e-mail us at info@apostille.us if you have any questions. You may also wish to apply on our website.