Can NAWA confirm that my diploma is authentic?
The certification provided by NAWA does not concern the content of a diploma or the correctness of the data it contains. In other words, we do not verify whether the personal data, study programme, degree awarded, etc. are correct.
Such data may only be confirmed by the issuing higher education institution where the education was conducted, and which contains students’ files with details on the course of education.
The apostille certification provided by NAWA confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person who signed the document acted and (if necessary) the identity of the person’s seal or stamp. It also confirms the authenticity and identity of the institution’s seal.
The authentication procedure confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person who signed the document acted and the identity of the person’s seal or stamp. It also confirms the authenticity and identity of the institution’s seal. Documents authenticated in NAWA must be later legalized in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!
Can I sign the application form on behalf of the documents’ holder?
The form must contain a hand signature of the documents’ holder.
An authorised representative may sign the form only if a copy of the notarial authorization in Polish or in English is attached and the original document is presented for inspection.
Note that the first part of the form (Information about the documents’ holder) must contain the name and contact details of the documents’ holder.
Can I submit the application on behalf of the documents’ holder?
Yes, you can. No authorisation is required in order to submit documents, on the condition that the application form is signed by the documents’ holder.
Do I need to make an appointment in order to submit the application?
In order to submit the documents, you do not have to make an appointment. The NAWA’s Welcome Centre is open from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Outside those hours, documents may be placed in the special box in the hall.
Can I send the application via email?
No. The application form, payment confirmation and all the required documents must be submitted in paper form. The application form must contain a hand signature of the documents’ holder. Scans or photocopies of any of the submitted documents are not accepted.
What is the difference between the apostille certification and authentication?
Apostille is a one-step procedure. The apostille certification is placed on documents which will be presented outside Poland in a country which is a member of the HCCH. The list of member countries can be found here.
Legalization is a two-step procedure. The first step is to authenticate documents in NAWA, whereas the second step is to legalize them in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Legalization is required if the certified documents will be presented in a country which is not a member of the Hague Convention.
I sent an email but got no response.
We respond to each email, unless the answer can be found on the website www.nawa.gov.pl in the Apostille and legalisation section.
Remember, in the emails sent to Polish institutions it is required to place your name and surname (art. 63 of the act of 14 June 1960 Code of Administrative Procedure). Anonymous e-mails will be left unanswered.
Can NAWA certify a student’s status certificate?
Yes, as long as it meets certain criteria. For detailed information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Can NAWA certify transcript of records certificate?
A transcript of records may be certified only if:- the studies were completed before 2005 (when the diploma supplement was not issued)
- the studies were interrupted/not completed.
Such a document must meet certain criteria. For detailed information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Can NAWA certify an admission to studies certificate?
No, such a document is not indicated in the regulations and does not refer to the course of studies.
Can NAWA certify internship I completed?
No. Certificates regarding professional practice, professional qualifications, internships, etc. may be authenticated by the institution supervising a given profession. For example, a document confirming medical practice can be certified by the Ministry of Health, whereas practice related to the profession of a physiotherapist can be certified by the National Council of Physiotherapists.