potvrde

Potvrde is a plural noun used in several South Slavic languages to denote documents that attest to a fact or status. In Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian and Montenegrin, the singular form is potvrda and the plural is potvrde. The term broadly covers certificates, attestations, or confirmations issued by an authority to verify information about a person or organization. A potvrda may attest identity, residence, education, employment, health, civil status, or legal circumstances, and can also refer to extracts from official records.

Different types of potvrde are issued for various purposes. Common examples include identity confirmations, residence or address proofs, birth or marriage confirmations, employment or income attestations, academic diplomas or transcripts, and records certifying criminal history or lack thereof. Some potvrde serve as official proofs required for administrative procedures, such as applying for a permit, visa, social benefits, school enrollment, housing, or bank services. The exact content and form depend on the issuing authority and the jurisdiction.

Issuing authorities typically include government agencies (ministries, municipalities, ministries of interior), educational institutions, employers, health care providers, and banks. The process generally requires proof of identity, and sometimes a fee, an applicant’s personal data, and, in some cases, references to a specific act or regulation. Many jurisdictions offer digital versions or online applications, and some potvrde have limited validity periods.

Potvrde play a central role in civil administration by providing a controlled, officially recognized record of facts about individuals or organizations, while also raising considerations of privacy and data protection.