From February 1, 2026, the apostille process for Ukrainians abroad: simpler but more expensive.

New Apostille Processing Rules

According to Novyny.live: From February 1, 2026, new rules for the apostille process for Ukrainians abroad will come into effect. According to the new changes, the procedure will become simpler; however, the cost of services will increase. Order No. 3177/5, which regulates these changes, was issued on November 20, 2025.

According to the new rules, the decision-making regarding the apostille will take no more than three working days. This significantly reduces the time required to obtain this service, which can positively impact Ukrainians in need of an apostille for legalizing documents abroad. However, despite the simplification of the procedure, it should be noted that the cost of apostilles for individuals will be 670 hryvnias, while for legal entities it will be 1,160 hryvnias.

Financial Aspects of the Reforms

For comparison, the minimum living wage in 2026 will be 3,328 hryvnias, indicating that the cost of an apostille may become a significant financial burden for some Ukrainians abroad. Changes in the apostille procedure will undoubtedly affect many citizens dealing with document legalization in host countries.

Thus, starting from February 1, 2026, Ukrainians abroad will be able to take advantage of a simplified apostille acquisition process, but they should consider the increased cost of this service.

The new apostille processing rules are an important step towards simplifying bureaucratic procedures for Ukrainians abroad.

The reduction of service processing times may help citizens resolve issues of document legalization more quickly, which is particularly relevant in the context of international mobility. However, the increased cost of the apostille may pose a challenge for those on a limited budget, requiring additional attention from the state.