You've finally gathered all your important documents for that international application, only to discover they need to be "notarized" and "apostilled" for use abroad. Suddenly, you're faced with conflicting information about where to go, what to do, and who handles what in Norway. Should you visit the courthouse? The County Governor? Both? And what about translations—do they need certification too?
This confusion isn't just frustrating—it can delay critical applications and lead to costly mistakes. The good news? There's a clear system in place, once you understand the distinct roles of two key Norwegian institutions.
Summary
In Norway, document authentication is a two-step process: notarization is handled by the local courthouse (Tingrett), while an apostille for international use is issued by the County Governor (Statsforvalteren).
The required process depends on the destination: notarization plus an apostille for Hague Convention countries, notarization only for Nordic countries, and a multi-step legalization for non-Hague countries.
Always use original physical documents, as digital printouts from services like Altinn are generally not accepted for an apostille.
For translated documents, the translation must be certified before it can be notarized and apostilled. Services like Bluente's Certified Translation can streamline this process with a 24-hour turnaround.
Understanding Notarization in Norway: The Courthouse's Role
Notarization is the process where a public official verifies your identity and witnesses your signature on a document. In Norway, this critical first step is handled by a notary public (Notarius publicus) at your local district court or courthouse (Tingrett).
What Can Be Notarized?
The courthouse can notarize various documents, including:
Powers of attorney
Contracts and agreements
Affidavits and declarations
Certified "true copies" of original documents
Translations (with important caveats we'll cover later)
The Notarization Process
Locate your nearest district court (Tingrett). You can find this information on the Norwegian Courts Administration website.
Bring your document to be notarized. Important: Do not sign it beforehand. You must sign in the presence of the notary public.
Present valid photo identification (passport, Norwegian driver's license, or national ID card).
The notary will verify your identity, witness your signature, and apply the official court stamp (typically featuring a lion symbol).
This notarization confirms your identity and the authenticity of your signature, but it does not verify the content of your document or make it valid internationally. For that, you may need an apostille.
What is an Apostille? The County Governor's Role
An apostille is an international certification that validates the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document. In Norway, apostilles are issued exclusively by the County Governor's office (Statsforvalteren).
The apostille system was established by the Hague Convention of 1961, which Norway joined in 1983. It creates a standardized method for countries to recognize each other's public documents without requiring additional embassy certifications.
What an Apostille Confirms:
According to the County Governor of Rogaland, an apostille verifies:
The authenticity of the signature on the document
The capacity in which the person signing the document has acted
The identity of the seal or stamp on the document
Importantly, an apostille does not validate the content of the document itself.
When is an Apostille Required?
An apostille is required when your document will be used in another country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention. Currently, over 120 countries are members, which you can verify on the official Hague Conference website.
When is an Apostille NOT Required?
There are two notable exceptions:
Nordic Countries: Documents for use in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, or Sweden generally do not require an apostille after notarization. The notarized document is typically sufficient.
Non-Hague Countries: For countries that aren't signatories to the Hague Convention, a different process called "consular legalization" is required. This involves certification by both the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy of the destination country.
Complete Document Workflows: Step-by-Step Guides
Let's break down the exact process for different types of documents and destinations.
Workflow A: Standard Norwegian Document for a Hague Convention Country
Example: Birth certificate from Skatteetaten for use in Spain
Obtain the Original Document: Request an official birth certificate from Skatteetaten. Ensure it has an original stamp and signature. Digital printouts from Altinn or Digipost are generally not accepted for apostille.
Visit the Courthouse: Take the original document to your local district court (Tingrett) for notarization by a Notarius publicus.
Visit the County Governor: Submit your notarized document to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) for an apostille. You must inform them of the destination country.
Workflow B: Document Requiring Translation
Example: Marriage certificate for use in the United States
Obtain the Original Document: Secure your Norwegian marriage certificate.
Get a Certified Translation: For official use, your document must be translated by a certified professional. Services like Bluente's Certified Translation offer a streamlined process with a 24-hour turnaround for a flat rate, handling everything from translation to certification. Alternatively, you can find a government-authorized translator through Translatørportalen, the official portal for certified translators in Norway.
Notarize Both Documents: Take both the original document and the certified translation to the courthouse. The notary will certify the translator's signature and credentials.
Obtain an Apostille: Submit the notarized translation to the County Governor for an apostille.
Note on Translations: A common pain point is confusion about whether translations can be notarized. Yes, they can and often must be notarized, but the translator must first certify the translation before a notary verifies the translator's signature.
Workflow C: Documents for Non-Hague Convention Countries
Example: Business contract for use in Thailand
Notarization: Get the document notarized at the district court.
Legalization by Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Send the notarized document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD) for legalization. According to the Ministry's guidelines, this service is free of charge.
Embassy Certification: The document must then be certified by the embassy or consulate in Oslo of the country where it will be used (in this example, the Thai Embassy).
Workflow D: Documents for Nordic Countries
Example: Legal document for use in Sweden
Notarization: Simply get the document notarized at the district court.
Done: No apostille is required for documents being used in other Nordic countries.
Practical Details: Fees, Timelines, and Locations
Fees to Expect
Notarization: Costs vary by courthouse and document type. This can become expensive for multiple documents, as noted by many in online forums.
Apostille: According to research, standard fees for apostille services start from €166.60 (including VAT).
Legalization (MFA): Legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is free of charge.
Certified Translation: Rates can vary significantly. While independent translators' costs depend on language and complexity, platforms like Bluente offer a predictable flat rate of $25 per page with a standard 24-hour delivery, which simplifies budgeting for these services.
Processing Times
Apostille (In-Person): Documents submitted before 11:00 are typically ready the same day; those submitted after 11:00 are ready the next day (based on information from the County Governor of Rogaland).
Apostille (Mail): Expect around 7 working days for processing.
Legalization (MFA): Up to 10 working days for return, possibly longer if information is insufficient.
Where to Go
For Notarization: Your local district court (Tingrett). Find your nearest location on the Norwegian Courts Administration website.
For Apostille: Your regional County Governor's office (Statsforvalteren). Each county has its own office with specific visiting hours and procedures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on official guidance and user experiences, here are the most frequent errors people make when navigating Norway's document authentication system:
Skipping Notarization: You cannot get an apostille without first getting the document notarized. This two-step process is essential.
Illegible Notary Details: The name and title of the notary must be clearly written in printed letters or block capitals beneath the signature for an apostille to be issued.
Forgetting to Specify the Destination Country: Always tell the County Governor where your document will be used, as requirements vary by country.
Using Digital Documents: Digital printouts from services like Digipost or Altinn are generally not accepted for apostille. You need an original document with physical signatures or a "true copy" confirmed by a notary.
Not Notarizing a Translation: A translation must be certified by an authorized translator and then notarized before it can receive an apostille.
Sending Documents Without a Return Address: If submitting by mail, always include your full return address and telephone number to ensure your documents find their way back to you.
Conclusion: Navigating the Two-Step Process
The key to successfully navigating Norway's document authentication system is understanding the distinct roles of two institutions:
The Courthouse (Tingrett) handles notarization, verifying your identity and signature.
The County Governor (Statsforvalteren) issues apostilles, making your documents valid internationally.
For documents headed to Nordic countries, notarization alone is usually sufficient. For Hague Convention countries, you need both notarization and an apostille. For non-Hague countries, you'll need notarization followed by legalization through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the destination country's embassy.
While the process might seem complex, breaking it down into these clear steps makes it manageable. By understanding these distinctions, avoiding common mistakes, and leveraging modern services for tasks like translation, you can ensure your documents receive the proper authentication for use abroad—saving time, money, and frustration.
Remember: Courthouse for notarization, County Governor for apostille. This fundamental distinction is your compass for navigating Norway's document authentication landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between notarization and an apostille in Norway?
Notarization verifies your identity and signature, while an apostille verifies the authenticity of the notary's seal and signature for international use. In Norway, notarization is performed by the courthouse (Tingrett) and is the first step. An apostille is a separate certification issued by the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) that makes the notarized document legally valid in other Hague Convention member countries.
Who provides an apostille in Norway?
An apostille is issued exclusively by the County Governor's office (Statsforvalteren) in Norway. You must take your already-notarized document to the County Governor in your region to receive the apostille certificate. The courthouse (Tingrett) only handles the initial notarization and cannot issue an apostille.
When do I need an apostille for my document?
You need an apostille when a Norwegian public document is to be used in another country that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention. This certification ensures the foreign country recognizes the document's authenticity. You do not need an apostille for documents used within Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden), and a different process (legalization) is required for countries not part of the Hague Convention.
How do I get my document notarized?
To get a document notarized, you must visit your local district court (Tingrett) in person. Bring the unsigned document and a valid photo ID (like a passport). You will sign the document in front of the notary public, who will then verify your identity, witness the signature, and apply the official court stamp.
What is the correct order of steps for a translated document?
The correct order is: 1) Get the document translated by a certified translator, 2) Take both the original document and the certified translation to the courthouse (Tingrett) to have the translator's signature notarized, and 3) Submit the notarized translation to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) for an apostille. The translation must be certified by the translator before it can be notarized.
Can I use a digital document for an apostille?
Generally, no. Digital documents or printouts from online portals like Altinn or Digipost are typically not accepted for an apostille. You need the original physical document with a wet-ink signature and stamp. If you only have a copy, you must first get it certified as a "true copy" by a notary public at the courthouse.
Do I need an apostille for documents used in Sweden or Denmark?
No, an apostille is generally not required for documents being used in other Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. For these countries, a notarized document from the Norwegian courthouse (Tingrett) is typically sufficient.
What is the difference between an apostille and legalization?
An apostille is a simplified, single-step certification for countries that are members of the Hague Convention. Legalization is a more complex, multi-step process for countries that are not part of the convention. It involves certification first by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the embassy of the destination country.