Georgian and foreign citizens now have access to a user-friendly digital solution allowing them to verify up to 100 types of documents issued by Georgia’s public authorities and health and educational institutions. Introduced this month, the e-Apostille can certify birth and marriage certificates, health-related papers, court orders and other documents for use abroad. By launching this innovative electronic service, Georgia has become the 19th country out of 119 members of the Hague Convention to roll out an e-Apostille program.
The e-Apostille service is provided by the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA) with assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UK’s Good Governance Fund.
“Digital tools save time and reduce bureaucracy, offering easier access to public services for citizens,” said UNDP Head Louisa Vinton. “Our shared vision is to create a people-centered system that ensures citizens can receive quality and secure services wherever they are, in the cities, villages or even outside the country. But what was a nice-to-have approach has become need-to-have in pandemic conditions.”
“As the world transitions to a digital standard, electronic services are more important than ever,” British Ambassador to Georgia Mark Clayton said. “Digital tools let citizens enjoy the benefits offered by their national institutions, as well as promote international cooperation and exchange between the countries.”
With UNDP and UK support, the PSDA studied international experience in the electronic verification of public documents and developed an e-Apostille service in compliance with technical requirements.
In October 2020, the e-Apostille was integrated into the national system of e-services. Applications are now accessible on the PSDA website, www.sda.gov.ge, and the unified Government portal, www.my.gov.ge, and verification is available on the PSDA-run website, http://apostille.cra.ge.
Working under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, the PSDA is one of the national partners engaged in UNDP’s robust program to support Public Administration Reform in Georgia, implemented in partnership with the UK Government.
