Order of procedures
Apostille before or after translation?
The answer depends on the direction of the procedure. A foreign document used in Colombia and an official Colombian translation used abroad follow different routes.
Foreign documents for use in Colombia.
When required, the source document needs an apostille or legalization in its country of origin. Colombian Ministry guidance recommends completing this step before official translation so the whole relevant document set can be translated.
An official translation prepared in Colombia for use within Colombia is not itself apostilled or legalized. This does not remove any requirement to apostille or legalize the foreign source document.
Colombian official translations for use abroad.
Article 6 of Resolution 1959 of 2020 requires recognition or authentication of the official translator’s signature before a notary before requesting apostille or legalization of the document containing the translation.
The Ministry apostilles or legalizes the notary’s public signature, rather than directly certifying the translator’s signature or the translated content. Consult the official requirements and any later amendments when preparing the procedure.
Check before ordering.
- Where was the source document issued and where will it be used?
- Does the recipient require an apostille or legalization?
- Must the apostille also be translated?
- Are the original, translation and relevant certifications all required?
Official sources.
This guide provides general information and does not replace the receiving institution’s current instructions or professional advice for your circumstances.
- Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — source 1 (Spanish)
- Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — source 2 (Spanish)
- Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — source 3 (Spanish)
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