Do you need to apostille a document? Here’s how to do it!
Authentication is a process that validates signatures on documents issued or handled by Uruguayan public entities for use abroad. Depending on the country where the documentation is to be submitted, a Legalization or Apostille will be required.
You can check the current situation of the countries that perform the apostille and the authorities in charge in each country. If the destination country of your document is not included in the list (such as Canada, Kuwait, Cuba, among others), then it will be necessary to legalize the document.
The legalization also implies the validation of the signature of the Consular Agent of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay who legalized the document in the country of origin, thus guaranteeing its validity in Uruguay. This applies to documents from countries where an apostille is not required.
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How to Apostille or Legalize Documents in Uruguay
In order to carry out the apostille or legalization process, please take into account the following requirements:
- It is essential to validate the document, make the payment and have a previously scheduled appointment.
- If the holder is unable to attend, an authorization form must be completed and downloaded.
- The system allows you to schedule up to 10 apostilles or legalizations per appointment. If you need more, you will have to start a new procedure.
- Document validation is a mandatory step before payment.
- Scan and upload all pages of the document in PDF format.
- You will only be able to schedule if there are spaces available.
- After paying, wait 10 to 15 minutes before scheduling your appointment for the system to register the payment.
- The documents must not be more than one year old and must be written in Spanish.
- On the day of the appointment, present the original documentation you scanned.
- Judicial Record Certificates must be picked up personally by the holder, or by a third party with authorization, at the Ministry’s Citizen Service Center during specified hours. Collect this document before starting the apostille or legalization process.
- Make sure you have all the necessary documentation when you start the process.
Exemption of Fees for Apostille or Legalization of Documentation:
If your documentation is free of charge, and given that the system requires a previous payment to schedule, you must request your appointment by e-mail to [email protected]. Include in the message the documentation to be discussed and, if it is for socioeconomic reasons, attach the pertinent proof.
Validation of Documentation:
To validate a document, you must present:
- The original document, issued by the competent authority, in good condition and with the signature of said authority.
- Notarial documents, Judicial Branch documents and translations by Sworn Translators must be legalized by the Supreme Court of Justice.
- Study documents, by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
- Vaccination certificates and health documents, by the Department of Habilitation and Control of Health Professionals.
- For foreign documents, the original issued by the competent authority, without alterations, with the intervention of the Uruguayan consulate of the country of origin.
In addition, as of 09/27/2023, in order to withdraw Judicial Background Certificates, it will be necessary to prove identity or be authorized by the certificate holder.
Where and How to Apply:
- In person:
- Make an appointment and bring your documents to Cuareim 1384, first floor (between Avenida 18 de Julio and Colonia). Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- For more information, call 2902-1010, ext. 76291/76271.
- Through the Internet:
- Log on to www.gub.uy and create a user or use an electronic ID (Cédula de Identidad Digital, Identidad Mobile – Abitab or TuiD – Antel).
- Schedule your appointment in the “Start process online” option.
- Shifts are released on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m., opening dates for the next two weeks.
Apostille Processing Time in Uruguay:
- You will receive your apostille the same day of the procedure.
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