U.S. documents go to Colombia for marriage, which is performed by notaries, for visas, and for property. Colombia has accepted apostilles since 2001.
Colombia has a quirk worth knowing: many notarías and offices want the Spanish translation to be apostilled as well as the original. A U.S. translation that is notarized can be apostilled by the state, or the translation can be made by an official Colombian translator.
At a glance
Why U.S. documents go to Colombia
| Purpose | Documents usually apostilled |
|---|---|
| Marriage at a notaría | Birth certificate (often under 90 days), single status affidavit |
| Visas | FBI check, marriage certificate, income proof |
| Property | Power of attorney |
Translation
An official Colombian translator, or a notarized U.S. translation that is itself apostilled. Translate after the apostille, so it is translated too. See translation requirements.
Things worth knowing
- Two apostilles per document are common: one on the original, one on the translation.
- Each notaría sets its own list. Get it before ordering.
- State or federal? A document issued by a state or county, or notarized, is apostilled by that state. One issued by a federal agency, such as an FBI check, by the U.S. Department of State.
How it works
Step 1
Tell us the documents
And what they are for in Colombia.
Step 2
We check each one
Certified, notarized where needed, and recent enough.
Step 3
State and federal apostilles
Together, in one order.
Step 4
Back to you
Ready to translate and submit in Colombia.
Apostille for Colombia: common questions
Does Colombia accept apostilles?
Yes. Colombia has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 30 January 2001, so a U.S. apostille is all the certification it needs. No embassy step is involved.
Do I need a translation for Colombia?
An official Colombian translator, or a notarized U.S. translation that is itself apostilled.
Who apostilles my document?
The state that issued it, or where it was notarized. Federal documents such as an FBI check go to the U.S. Department of State. See apostille by state.
Official sources
Requirements, fees and processing times are set by the authorities below and can change without notice. Verify anything time-critical directly with them.
HCCH Apostille Convention status table
Ready to get started?
Tell us what is going to Colombia, and we will price every document in one order.
Related: Marriage abroad · Translation requirements · Country checker