In November 2024, Uruguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced significant updates to its apostille processes, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize and improve access to essential services. These changes, detailed on the government’s official portal, enhance both digital and traditional methods for certifying public documents for international use. By simplifying procedures and introducing accountability measures, these updates streamline the legal recognition of Uruguayan documents abroad under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.
One of the most notable developments is the inclusion of new digital tools to support users. The portal now offers an automated complaint form, allowing individuals to report officials who refuse to carry out apostille procedures or impose unnecessary requirements. Additionally, the website provides links to verify the authenticity of apostilles issued before and after September 2023. These verification tools improve transparency and make it easier to validate documents’ legitimacy.
A key feature of the updated system is the introduction of an online apostille process. Users with a personal account on the government portal and an electronic identity card can now complete the entire process digitally. To certify a document, users must scan and upload it to the portal; photographs are not accepted, and scans must not exceed 10 MB. This digital approach not only reduces processing times but also eliminates the need for in-person visits, significantly enhancing accessibility.
For those preferring traditional paper-based methods, the Ministry clarified the requirements for document eligibility. Only original documents in good condition—free of alterations or damage—are accepted. Certain categories of documents must be legalized by specific authorities before being apostilled. For instance, court and notarial documents must go through the Supreme Court, educational records require validation from the Ministry of Education and Culture, and medical documents must be approved by the Department of Training and Control of Healthcare Workers. Church records, meanwhile, require authorization from the Archbishopric of Montevideo.
In addition to procedural updates, the Ministry revised the fee structure for 2024. Apostille certification now costs 711 Uruguayan pesos, while consular legalization is priced at 347 pesos. These fees reflect the streamlined and efficient processes enabled by the new system.
These updates signify Uruguay’s commitment to modern governance and international cooperation. By embracing digital tools and clarifying traditional procedures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made the apostille process more transparent and accessible, ensuring that citizens and organizations can navigate cross-border legal requirements with ease. Whether utilizing the digital platform or adhering to the clarified paper-based protocols, individuals now benefit from a more efficient and user-friendly system.
How can we help?
Schmidt & Schmidt offers the legalization of documents from Uruguay by apostille. The apostille is a stamp of rectangular shape. It should be filled in in the official language of the issuing authority. The heading "Apostille (Convention de la Haye du 5 octobre 1961)" written in French is a necessary requirement for the apostille's validity.
Documents issued by the relevant state or local authorities or other authorized structures of Uruguay, drawn up in Spanish can be apostillized.
Legalizing public documents in Uruguay implies authenticating the origin of the document and the authority of the officials who have affixed the signature, seal or stamp on the document. After such verification, a special stamp - the apostille - is affixed to the public document or its certified copy. The apostille is usually placed on the back of the underlying public document or on a separate attached page.
In addition to the legalization of your documents, we can provide you with high-quality translations.
Should you require company information for use in court, it needs to be legalized as well. We can therefore provide you with extracts from the commercial register of Uruguay including the apostille certification and translation into the language of the document's state of destination.
