If you are asked to legalize your documents for Austria and you do not know what it means, do not panic; the process is not as complicated as it seems. You just need to understand how it works.
Legalization for Austria is simply the process of getting your Nigerian documents officially stamped, sealed, or signed so that they can be accepted in Austria.
In this guide, you will learn what legalization for Austria means, with a step-by-step guide covering the process, fees, required documents, and timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Legalization for Austria means getting your Nigerian documents officially stamped by the Austrian Embassy in Abuja, after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has authenticated them, so Austrian authorities will accept them.
- Getting your documents legalized happens in two steps: the embassy first confirms they are genuine (verification) and then stamps them (legalization), and only a police character certificate can skip the first step.
- You will pay €400 for verification (€500 for a family), plus €80 per document for legalization and a small service fee, all paid in Naira.
- You are to book your appointment online through the VFS Global portal before submitting your documents in person at the VFS office in Abuja or Lagos.
What is Document Legalization for Austria?
Legalization of documents for Austria simply means certifying that your Nigerian documents are genuine so that they can be accepted as official documents in Austria. In Nigeria, the legalization process is carried out by the Austrian Embassy in Abuja.
Before you take your Nigerian document for legalization at the Austrian Embassy, it must first of all be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria.
Documents You Can Legalize at the Austrian Embassy in Nigeria
You should know that the Austrian Embassy will only legalize your document after you provide proof that it will be used for official purposes in Austria. For example, you can submit a letter of requirement from an Austrian university as proof to get your educational document legalized.
Here are the types of documents you can legalize at the Austrian embassy:
- Educational documents:
- Diplomas
- Transcripts
- University degrees
- WEAC/NECO certificate
- testimonials
- Civil status documents:
- Birth certificates (must be issued by the National Population Commission).
- Marriage certificates.
- Affidavits and statutory declarations, including declarations of age or affidavits of spinsterhood/bachelorhood.
- Divorce certificate
- Other documents
- Police character certificate
- Affidavit of name
- Identification certificate
Understanding the Two-Stage Process: Verification, then Legalization
There are two stages involved in getting your Nigerian documents ready for official use in Austria. First, the verification process, then the legalization process:
- Verification process: This is when the embassy verifies the genuineness and accuracy of your Nigerian documents. This verification is done by someone the embassy trusts, which comes with a fee you’ll need to pay.
Without a successful verification, your documents cannot be legalized. The average verification time can be 12 weeks or more, so it’s best to start the process early.
- Legalization process: After a successful verification of your documents, the embassy officials will sign/stamp your documents to officially legalize them. This is when they become valid for official use in Austria.
NOTE: Only a police character certificate can be legalized without verification.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get Your Document Verified and Legalized for Austria
The straightforward steps for the legalization of documents at the Austrian Embassy are:
- Prepare your documents: gather all the documents you intend to legalize, and make sure they are properly authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria first.
- Download and fill the verification questionnaire: download the questionnaire and fill it out accurately.
- Book an appointment with VFS Global: After you have filled out the questionnaire, you can book an appointment with VFS Global in Abuja or Lagos.
- Submit your documents and questionnaire: Submit your original documents and the questionnaire you duly filled out. It must be submitted in person or by someone with power of attorney at any VFS Global centre of your choice.
- Pay the verification fee: Pay the required fee for the verification of your documents.
- Wait for the verification result: Wait patiently for the verification of your documents. This can take several weeks.
- Submit your documents for legalization: Once you receive a positive verification email, you can go to the embassy between Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm for submission of documents for legalization. You might be required to book another fresh appointment via email if legalization is connected with an application for a residence permit.
- Pay the legalization fee: You will need to pay a legalization fee of 80 euros per document, paid in Naira.
- Collect your legalized document: After your document has been legalized, you will be contacted to collect it.
Get your documents legalized for Austria
Required Documents for Austrian Embassy Legalization Appointment
When you go to your scheduled Austrian Embassy legalization appointment, you must bring these documents:
- The completed questionnaire duly filled by you (not your agent), signed, and with no blank fields. Write “N/A” for anything that doesn’t apply to you.
- All original documents plus one readable photocopy of each.
- All original documents must already carry the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stamp.
- A photocopy of your passport data page.
- A valid means of identification
- The verification fee in cash (Naira).
- If you are sending a representative, he/she should bring an authorization letter signed by you, a copy of your passport data page, and the representative’s valid ID.
How Much Does It Cost to Legalize Your Document for Use in Austria?
There are two fees you have to pay at the Austrian embassy: the verification fee and the legalization fee. The embassy also charges to verify the proof you present (eligibility letter) that the document will be used for an official purpose in Austria.
|
Fee |
Amount (EUR) |
Fee in Naira (estimated price) |
|
VFS Global verification fee (single person) |
€400 |
₦598,800 |
|
VFS Global verification fee (family) |
€500 |
₦748,500 |
|
Official legalization fee |
€80 per document |
₦119,760 per document |
|
Normal Legalization appointment(via an agent) |
Charged in Naira |
₦150,000 |
|
Urgent Legalization appointment (via an agent) |
Charged in Naira |
₦400,000 – ₦800,000 |
|
Agent service charge |
Charged in Naira |
₦150,000 |
|
VFS Global service fee (first document) |
€15 |
₦22,445 |
|
VFS Global service fee (each extra document) |
€10 |
₦14,997 |
Source: VFS Global
Note: The Naira amount conversions above are at the current rate as of 22/10/26. The Embassy of Austria sets the exchange rate and decides the exact amount you pay in Naira. So confirm the rate before you pay.
How long does it take to verify and legalize a document at the Austrian embassy?
It takes 8-12 weeks or more to verify a document at the Austrian embassy, and approximately two or more working weeks to officially legalize it with an embassy official.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is compulsory to legalize all Nigerian documents before you can use them in Austria.
A Schengen country is a European country that is part of the 29 countries that make up the Schengen area.
Can someone else legalize my document for me?
Yes, with an authorization letter from you, a third party can legalize your document.
Conclusion
Legalizing your Nigerian documents for use in Austria takes time, but it is straightforward when you follow the right steps. The Austrian embassy must first verify your documents before it can legalize them, and you must pay separate fees for verification and legalization.
The most important thing is to start early. The verification stage alone can take 8–12 weeks, so do not wait until your deadline is approaching.
If you are confused about how to go about this process, reach out to a professional visa agency to assist you and ensure you have a smooth legalization process.
Make Your Austria Document Legalization Easier.
