Maryland apostille for Rwanda
Moving, marrying, studying or doing business in Rwanda? Your Maryland documents will need an apostille. Because Rwanda belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention, that single certificate replaces embassy legalization.
What Rwanda requires
Rwanda joined the convention recently, on June 5, 2024. Before that, US documents for Rwanda had to be authenticated and then legalized at its embassy. Now the apostille alone is accepted, which is faster and cheaper. Some local offices may still be adjusting, so if anyone asks for embassy legalization, point them to the apostille rules or ask us for help.
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, English and French. If your document is in English, the office that receives it may ask for a certified translation. Translations are usually done after the apostille is attached, and some offices want the apostille translated too. Ask the receiving office what it requires.
The apostille confirms that the signature and seal on your document are genuine. It does not change what the document says, and the office in Rwanda decides whether the document itself meets its rules, for example how recently it was issued.
How we get your apostille for Rwanda
Order online
Fill in the order form. We confirm the price and send mailing instructions.
Send the original
Mail or drop off your certified copy or notarized document.
Court and state filing
Notarized documents go to the Circuit Court clerk first, then the Secretary of State issues the apostille.
Shipped back to you
Your apostilled document is shipped with tracking, anywhere in the world.
Documents we apostille for Rwanda
Price for Rwanda
| Document type | Per document |
|---|---|
| Maryland certified copy (vital, court, SDAT) | $50 |
| Notarized in Maryland | $50 + court fee |
| Federal document (FBI, FDA) | $57 |
Rwanda apostille questions
Does Rwanda accept apostilles from Maryland?
Yes. Rwanda is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostille issued by the Maryland Secretary of State is recognized there.
Do I need to take my documents to the Rwanda embassy?
No. The apostille replaces embassy or consular legalization for Rwanda.
Do I need a translation for Rwanda?
Often, yes, if the document is not in Kinyarwanda. Translations are usually done after the apostille. Check with the office in Rwanda that will receive the document.
How much does a Maryland apostille for Rwanda cost?
$50 per document, including the $5 Maryland state fee, plus return shipping. Notarized documents also need a Circuit Court certification, billed at cost.