Notarised Translation of Documents for Foreigners in Ukraine: What to Translate and How

Why foreigners need their documents translated

Almost every procedure in Ukraine requires documents in Ukrainian. A passport from India, Bangladesh or Nepal, a diploma, a reference from a previous employer, a driving licence — to a Ukrainian authority these are just "foreign documents" until there is a properly certified translation. Without one, an application may be refused, and a mistake in the translation can delay the process by weeks.

You will need translations for, among other things:

• the work permit — copies of passport pages translated into Ukrainian;
• a tax number — the passport and its certified translation (not needed if you already hold a residence permit; see tax number for foreigners);
• a residence permit — see our residence permit guide;
• diploma recognition — see diploma recognition in Ukraine;
• exchanging a driving licence — see foreign driving licences in Ukraine.

What a "notarised translation" actually is

In everyday speech this means a translation certified by a notary. Ukraine's Law on Notaries (Article 79) provides two options:

1. Certifying the translator's signature. The most common option: a qualified translator prepares the translation and signs it in front of a notary, who certifies that the signature really belongs to that translator. The translator shows an identity document and proof of their qualification.
2. Certifying the accuracy of the translation. If the notary knows both languages, the notary can certify that the translation is accurate.

Outside Ukraine, the same acts are performed by Ukraine's consular offices.

What a correct translation looks like

• The whole document. All text is translated, including seals, stamps and notes in the margins. A missing stamp is a typical reason for documents being returned.
• Consistent name spelling. Your first name and surname must be rendered in Ukrainian the same way in every document: the passport translation, diploma, employment contract and applications. Different spellings (for example, "Мохаммад" and "Мухаммед") cause problems with the tax office, banks and the migration service.
• Dates and numbers. The passport number and the issue and expiry dates must match the original exactly.
• Binding. The translation is usually bound to a copy of the document, with the notary's certificate on the last page.

Tip: order several copies of the passport translation at once — different offices will each want one.

Apostille and legalisation

A translation confirms what a document says, not that the document is genuine. For official documents issued abroad (diplomas, certificates, references), you often also need proof of origin:

• Apostille — if the issuing country, like Ukraine, is a party to the 1961 Hague Convention. India, for example, is a party.
• Consular legalisation — if the country is not a party: the document is certified in turn by the issuing country's authorities and by Ukraine's consulate.

The apostille or legalisation is done in the country that issued the document, so deal with it before travelling to Ukraine. The right order is: apostille (or legalisation) first, then the translation covering every stamp, including the apostille.

Passports do not need an apostille — apostilles go on official documents such as diplomas or certificates.

Common mistakes

• the translation leaves out seals and stamps;
• the name in the passport translation differs from the work permit or employment contract;
• the apostille is not translated, or was added after the translation;
• the translation is of an old passport while the application uses a new one;
• different translators worked on different documents and the spellings diverged.

If your passport has changed, check which documents need updating — see document renewal.

How ASHA Ukraine helps

We help candidates prepare their documents while still in their home country: we explain what needs an apostille, arrange translations with consistent name spelling and make sure the package meets the requirements for the work permit and residence permit. If documents need updating once you are in Ukraine, we help with document renewal.

Sources: Law of Ukraine on Notaries, Articles 38 and 79; Procedure for notarial acts by notaries of Ukraine (Section II, Chapter 8); Law of Ukraine on Employment of the Population, Article 42-2; State Tax Service guidance on registering foreigners in the State Register of Taxpayers; Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (The Hague, 1961). Checked as of 23.10.2026; confirm the specific office's requirements before applying.