Document Order Matters
Document Checklist
Original passport with at least 6 months validity from application date.
- * Bring original + color copy of bio page
- * Some nationalities require visa
Original or certified copy from your country of birth.
- * Must be apostilled before travel
- * Will be translated to Spanish in Paraguay
National-level police clearance from your country of citizenship.
- * Valid 3-6 months from issue
- * FBI check for US citizens
- * Must be apostilled
- * Start this LAST
4 recent passport-sized photos on white background.
- * Can be taken in Paraguay if needed
- * Standard passport photo format
If applying with spouse, include apostilled marriage certificate.
- * Only if applying together
- * Must be apostilled
Document Validity Timeline
| Document | Valid For | When to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Police Clearance | 6 months from issue | 2-4 weeks before travel |
| Birth Certificate | No expiration | Anytime |
| Passport | 6+ months remaining | Check before apostille process |
| Apostille | No expiration | After getting underlying document |
Apostille Authorities by Country
| Country | Document | Authority | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | FBI Background | US Dept of State, DC | $8 |
| USA | Birth Certificate | State Secretary of State | $5-20 |
| UK | ACRO Police Cert | FCDO | £45 |
| Germany | Führungszeugnis | Landgericht/Amtsgericht | €15-25 |
| Australia | AFP Police Check | DFAT | $80 AUD |
| Canada | RCMP Certificate | Global Affairs + Consulate* | Varies |
Canada Not in Hague Convention
Common Apostille Problems & Solutions
Problem 1: Wrong Authority
Solution: Birth certificate → State where ISSUED (not where you live). FBI check → US Dept of State only (not any state). UK documents → FCDO only.
Problem 2: Document Too Old
Solution: Police clearances must be less than 6 months old at submission. Get your background check 2-4 weeks before travel, not months ahead.
Problem 3: Photocopies Rejected
Solution: Paraguay requires original documents or certified copies from the issuing authority. Regular notarized copies or photocopies are not accepted.
Problem 4: Missing Steps
Solution: New York requires County Clerk certification BEFORE Secretary of State apostille. Some documents need intermediate certification.
Problem 5: Notarization Errors
Solution: Missing notary seal, expired commission, or wrong jurisdiction. Get re-notarized with a valid notary before apostille.
Translation Process in Paraguay
Important: Translations Must Be Done in Paraguay
- • Translations from your home country are NOT accepted
- • Must be done by certified public translator (traductor público)
- • Translator translates BOTH document AND apostille certificate
- • Included in our service packages
- • Timeline: 1-2 days
FAQ
How do I apostille my documents?
Each country has a designated apostille authority. In the US, federal documents go to the State Department; state documents go to the state Secretary of State.
What if my documents are not in English?
Documents can be in any language. They will be translated to Spanish by certified translators in Paraguay. We coordinate all translations.
How long are documents valid?
Criminal background checks are valid 3-6 months. Birth certificates do not expire, but apostilles should be recent (within 1 year).
What documents do I need for Paraguay residency?
You need 3 core documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), apostilled birth certificate, and apostilled police clearance (not older than 6 months). No investment proof, bank statements, or medical exam required.
What is an apostille and where do I get one?
An apostille is a certification that authenticates documents for international use. In the US, birth certificates are apostilled by your state Secretary of State; FBI checks are apostilled by the US Department of State in Washington DC. Each country has different authorities.
Can I use a notarized copy instead of the original document?
No. Paraguayan immigration requires original documents or certified copies from the issuing authority. Regular notarized copies or photocopies will be rejected. The apostille must be on the original or certified copy.
What if my apostille gets rejected?
Common rejection reasons: wrong authority (FBI must go to federal, not state), notary errors, expired documents, or missing steps (NY requires County Clerk before Secretary of State). Get a new document and correct apostille—you cannot fix an existing apostille.
How long are apostilled documents valid?
Apostilles themselves don't expire. However, police clearances must be less than 6 months old when submitted to Paraguay immigration. Birth certificates have no expiration. Get your police clearance 2-4 weeks before travel, not months ahead.
Do I need to translate my documents before arriving in Paraguay?
No. Translations must be done IN Paraguay by a certified public translator (traductor público). Translations from your home country are not accepted. The translator will translate both the document and the apostille certificate. Translation is included in our service packages.