Document Translation and Notarisation

What it is

When you submit documents to Lithuanian authorities — for a residence permit, employment, education, or other official purposes — those documents often need to be in Lithuanian or accompanied by a certified translation. This guide explains the main requirements.

When you need a certified translation

You typically need a sworn (certified) translation in the following situations:

• Submitting a foreign passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, or diploma to a Lithuanian authority
• Registering with the Migration Department, a municipality, or a school
• Presenting court documents or police records
• Any time an authority specifically requests a "certified" or "sworn" translation

A sworn translation is one produced by a translator who is officially certified to translate documents with legal effect in Lithuania. It carries the translator's stamp and signature.

Notarisation

Notarisation means a Lithuanian notary confirms that a signature, a copy, or a translation is genuine. Notaries in Lithuania are licensed professionals. You may need notarisation when:

• Submitting a certified copy of an original document
• Confirming that a translation matches the original
• Signing certain legal agreements

The Chamber of Notaries of Lithuania (notarurumai.lt) has a directory of notaries.

Apostille

An apostille is a special stamp placed on an official document (such as a birth certificate or diploma) by the authority of the country that issued the document. It confirms the document is genuine and is recognised in countries that have signed the Hague Convention.

• If your document comes from a country that uses the apostille system, you usually need an apostille before Lithuanian authorities will accept it.
• If your home country is NOT part of the apostille system, a different form of legalisation (through an embassy or consulate) may be required.
• Once a document has an apostille, it generally does not need further legalisation — but it may still need to be translated.

Where to get translations

• Certified translators — find a sworn translator through online directories, translation agencies, or recommendations from NGOs and legal aid centres. Make sure the translator is certified for Lithuanian official use.
• Translation agencies — many offer sworn translation services; confirm before ordering that the translation will be certified.
• Costs — vary by language pair, document length, and urgency. There is no government-set price; compare a few providers.

Practical tips

• Always use original documents where possible; certified copies may need separate notarisation.
• Keep extra certified copies — you may need them for multiple applications.
• Some consulates of your home country can help certify documents if you do not have an apostille.
• Start early: translations and notarisation can take several days.

Where to get help

Migration support organisations and legal aid centres can advise on exactly which documents need translation for your specific situation. The Migration Department website also lists required documents for each type of application.