The Apostille Convention has become effective in Paraguay

By Hugo Alexander Berkemeyer, Berkemeyer Attorneys & Counselors

With the Apostille Convention the previous bureaucratic process of consular legalization of documents can be avoided.

The Apostille Convention has become effective in Paraguay on September 1, 2014 for all documents issued from that date onward, in accordance to enacted Law N° 4987/2013. The Apostille is the certification by which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Paraguay - legalizes the authenticity of the signature and title of the signing public officer, certifying the origin of the public document, which is valid in the country to be presented.

The contracting States shall exonerate from legalization, documents to which the Convention applies and must be displayed in its territory for the production of a certain legal act.

With this instrument, which has the unanimous approval of several guilds, the only formality that may be required to certify the accuracy of the signature, the capacity of the person signing and, where appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp placed on the document, is the addition of the Apostille, issued by the competent authority of the State from which the document emanates.

This convention has the purpose to contribute to the fluidity of the formalities of international documents, cutting back and accelerating procedures, reducing costs of legalization processes and optimizing the use of human resources.

This certification is only valid for public documents emanating from authorities or officials linked to State jurisdiction where such documents originate. The following documents can be certified through Apostille:

1. Certificate of Primary or Secondary Education, Universities or other ordinances issued by Educational Institutions.
2. Titles, Transcripts and other certificates issued by educational institutions.
3. Birth, Marriage or Death Certificates issued by the Office of Vital Records.
4. Certificates of Single Status issued by the judiciary.
5. Medical Certificates.
6. Phytosanitary or health Certificates.
7. Criminal Records Certificate.
8. Judicial Background Certificates.
9. Police Clearance Certificate.
10. Notarial documents.
11. Documents issued by public entities.
12. Documents from court proceedings.