In Paraguay, the process of obtaining an apostille follows the guidelines of the Hague Apostille Convention, of which Paraguay is a member. The apostille is used to authenticate documents for international use in countries that are also parties to the Hague Convention.
Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in Paraguay:
- Determine the Document Type: Documents that can be apostilled in Paraguay include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Notarized documents (e.g., powers of attorney, affidavits)
- Court decisions and other official documents issued by state authorities
- Obtain the Document: The document must be issued by an official Paraguayan authority. For example:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by the Civil Registry (Registro Civil).
- Academic diplomas issued by universities or educational institutions in Paraguay.
- Notarized documents from licensed Paraguayan notaries.
- Official documents issued by government bodies or courts in Paraguay.
- Notarization (if required): If your document requires notarization (such as powers of attorney, contracts, etc.), it must first be notarized by a licensed Paraguayan notary public before it can be apostilled.
- Submit the Document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) is the central authority responsible for issuing apostilles in Paraguay. The Ministry handles apostille requests for documents issued by Paraguayan authorities. Location:
- Address: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1775 Avenida Brasil, Asunción, Paraguay.
- Phone: +595 21 451-400
- Complete the Apostille Application Form: You will need to complete the apostille application form when submitting your documents for apostille processing. This form is available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or on their website.
- Pay the Apostille Fee: There is a processing fee for obtaining an apostille in Paraguay. The fee is generally paid at the time of submission.
- Processing Time:
- In-person submissions: Apostille processing typically takes 1–2 business days.
- By mail: If submitting by mail, processing may take 5–7 business days, depending on postal delivery times and volume.
- Collect the Apostilled Document: After the apostille is applied, you can collect the apostilled document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or it can be mailed back to you if you submitted your request by post.
Key Points:
- Paraguay is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents apostilled in Paraguay are valid in other countries that are also members of the convention.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) is the central authority for issuing apostilles for documents issued by Paraguayan authorities.
- Foreign documents must be apostilled in their country of origin before they can be used in Paraguay.
Documents and Information You Will Need:
- The original document you want to have apostilled.
- A completed apostille application form.
- Proof of identity (passport or national ID card may be required).
- Payment for the apostille fee.
Where to Go for Apostille in Paraguay:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores):
- Address: 1775 Avenida Brasil, Asunción, Paraguay.
- Phone: +595 21 451-400
- Website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Paraguay
For the most up-to-date information on fees, application forms, and processing times, it is best to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly or visit their official website.