Apostille for Argentina

Apostille for Argentina: A Complete Guide

An Apostille is an official certificate that authenticates a public document for international use. If you need to use a document issued in Argentina in a country that is part of the Hague Convention of 1961, you will need to obtain an Apostille to verify its authenticity. Argentina, being a signatory of the Hague Convention, provides a simplified process for certifying documents intended for use abroad.

This guide explains the Apostille process in Argentina, the types of documents that can be apostilled, and the authorities involved.

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a certification that verifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document. It ensures that the document is legally recognized in another country that is a member of the Hague Convention (1961), without the need for further authentication by consular or embassy services.

For example, if you have an Argentine birth certificate, academic diploma, or marriage certificate and need to use it in another Hague Convention country (such as the United States, France, or Spain), you will need an Apostille to make the document legally valid internationally.

Which Documents Require an Apostille in Argentina?

In Argentina, many types of public documents can be apostilled. These include:

  1. Civil Status Documents:
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Divorce certificates
  • Death certificates
  1. Educational Documents:
  • Diplomas
  • Transcripts
  • Certificates of attendance or graduation
  1. Notarial Documents:
  • Powers of attorney
  • Affidavits
  • Contracts and agreements notarized by a public notary
  1. Court Documents:
  • Court judgments
  • Legal orders
  • Other official decisions made by Argentine courts
  1. Business Documents:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Commercial contracts
  • Business licenses and other documents related to company registration
  1. Police and Criminal Records:
  • Police certificates
  • Criminal background checks

How to Obtain an Apostille in Argentina

In Argentina, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the authority responsible for issuing Apostilles for public documents. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an Apostille:

1. Prepare the Document

  • Original Document: You must present the original public document (e.g., birth certificate, diploma, marriage certificate) for Apostille certification. Ensure that the document is issued by an official Argentine authority and bears the proper seal and signature.
  • Certified Copy: In some cases, you may be required to submit a certified copy of the document, particularly for documents like court orders or notarial acts. If the document is issued in a language other than Spanish, you may also need to have it translated by an official translator.

2. Verify the Document (if needed)

  • Some documents may need to be authenticated by the relevant Argentine authority before an Apostille can be applied. For example, certain notarial documents (such as contracts or affidavits) must first be notarized by a public notary before you can request an Apostille.
  • Educational certificates might need to be verified by the issuing educational institution or the Argentine Ministry of Education.

3. Submit the Document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  • Once you have the original or certified copy of the document ready, you must submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto) for the Apostille.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a dedicated office for this process, and the Apostille is issued by the Legal and Consular Department (Dirección de Asuntos Legales y Consulares).

4. Pay the Apostille Fee

  • There is a fee for obtaining an Apostille in Argentina, which varies depending on the type of document and the urgency of the request. You may need to pay the fee at the time of submission.
  • Fees can typically be paid at the Ministry or through the designated payment methods specified on their website.

5. Wait for the Apostille to Be Processed

  • The processing time for Apostille applications in Argentina typically ranges from 1 to 5 business days, depending on the type of document and whether it requires additional verification.
  • You can check the status of your request by contacting the Ministry or visiting their office.

6. Collect the Apostilled Document

  • Once the Apostille has been affixed to your document, you can either pick it up in person or arrange for it to be sent to you by mail.
  • The Apostille will appear as a stamp or certificate attached to the original document, and it will contain information such as:
    • The name of the issuing authority
    • The date of issue
    • A reference number
    • The signature of the official who authorized the Apostille

Where to Apply for an Apostille in Argentina

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Argentina is responsible for issuing Apostilles for public documents. You will need to submit your documents to their Legal and Consular Affairs Department.

Contact Information:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto
  • Address: Esmeralda 1212, C1007ABL Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Phone: +54 11 4819-7373 (for inquiries)
  • Website: www.cancilleria.gob.ar
  • The Ministry’s website contains specific information about the Apostille process, fee details, and required documents.

Common FAQs about Apostille in Argentina

1. What types of documents do not need an Apostille in Argentina?

Private documents, such as personal contracts, letters, or documents not issued by an Argentine public authority, do not require an Apostille. However, these may still need to be notarized or authenticated through other means, depending on the requirements of the country where the document will be used.

2. Can I apply for an Apostille online in Argentina?

Currently, the Apostille process in Argentina requires submitting the document in person or by mail to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, it’s always advisable to check the official website for any online submission options or changes to the process.

3. Can I use an Apostilled document in any country?

An Apostilled document is valid for use in any country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention of 1961. There are currently over 120 countries that accept the Apostille, including the United States, European Union countries, Canada, Australia, and others.

If you need to use an Argentine document in a country that is not a member of the Hague Convention, you will need to go through the embassy legalization process instead of obtaining an Apostille.

4. What is the validity period of an Apostille in Argentina?

Once a document is apostilled, it is considered valid indefinitely for use in other Hague Convention countries. However, some documents (e.g., criminal records, police certificates) may have an expiration date or time limitations for use.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Apostille in Argentina is a straightforward process that ensures your public documents are legally recognized abroad in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. Whether you are dealing with civil status documents, academic records, or business certifications, the Apostille makes the process of using Argentine documents in international matters much easier.

Make sure to verify the specific requirements of the destination country for your documents, as some countries may have additional rules or limitations on the use of Apostilled documents. Following the proper steps and submitting your documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will help you complete the process efficiently.