Embassy of the Netherlands

The Netherlands embassy has on 26 October 2020 re-located to The Capital Tower, Naza Tower, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur. I have not had reason to visit the new consular office but do remember that its previous one at the Ampwalk was quite modern, so the new one should be even nicer.

Appointments for legalisation are made via its online appointment system. The last time I used it, back in January, an appointment could be made for two or three days later so it’s not a long wait. Legalisation fees charged are 26.25 Euros per document. Credit cards accepted. And documents can be collected the next working day.

High Commission of South Africa

The South African High Commission is located at Menara HLX, formerly Menara HLA, in Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur. Since apostilles are not issued by the Malaysian authorities, since Malaysia is not a signatory to the Apostille Treaty, documents are legalised by the relevant diplomatic mission after they have been notarised by a Malaysia notary public and authenticated by the Malaysian foreign ministry.

There is no online appointment system for the South African High Commission, so just drop by during office hours. A phone call beforehand is of course advisable. A pleasant surprise is that unlike most embassies, there are no charges for legalisation! In my case, the documents were ready for collection two working days later.

During the current pandemic, it takes longer than usual to courier documents to South Africa. Delivery by DHL cost RM300 and it took a week to arrive.

Embassy of Turkey

The Turkish Embassy is located at Menara Tan & Tan in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. As Malaysia is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, documents undergo a process of notarisation, authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalisation by the relevant embassy or high commission. I recently handled the legalisation of certain commercial documents intended for use in Turkey. There is no need to make an appointment. Just turn up by 2.15pm and it is first-come, first-served. The embassy’s charges are RM80 per document, payable in cash. Documents can be collected the next working day.

The Embassy Of Italy

As Malaysia is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, most Malaysia documents destined for use in Italy go through the process of a) notarization, b) authentication by the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and c) legalization by the Embassy of Italy in Kuala Lumpur.

As in the case of many European embassies these days, appointments are made online. The embassy’s website is at ambkualalumpur.esteri.it  The website contains both an Italian and English version. Click on “Prenota Online” to register and fix an appointment. The fee is RM111, payable in cash only, as at the date of writing.

Should you have any queries, they can be emailed to the consular office at cons2.kualalumpur@esteri.it

Sara Alessandri, Ufficio Consolare, will be able to provide prompt and useful guidance on documentation and other requirements.

The Embassy of Georgia

I recently handled a matter involving the legalisation of some documents at the Embassy of Georgia. The documents were mainly some passports, and birth and marriage certificates.

After copies of the documents have been certified as true copies by a notary public, they must be authenticated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. This intermediate step acts as a confirmation by the Malaysian authorities that the person who notarised the documents is indeed a notary public.

Next comes the submission of the documents to the embassy. Georgia has a rather modern system. You make an online application via the Georgian foreign ministry website at geoconsul.gov.ge.  You fill in a simple form and upload the relevant documents. Click on the e-calendar and select your preferred time and date for your appointment at the embassy. On the day, you turn up and, if all is in order, pay the fees and collect the documents a couple of days later. The fee is US$15 per document or its Malaysian Ringgit equivalent. Payment may be made by an online payment to the embassy’s bank account.

One point to note is that where the application is made in person, then only that person can attend at the embassy. If the applicant wishes another person to submit or collect the documents, then a suitable letter of authorisation is required, and it should be uploaded with the other documents.

The Embassy of Georgia in Kuala Lumpur relocated recently and it is now situated at 3^rd Floor, Wisma Sin Heap Lee, 346 Jalan Tun Razak, 55000 Kuala Lumpur.