How to use a document signed abroad in Guatemala
The apostille is the step that raises the most questions. Here is what it certifies, who issues it in your country, and when you also need a translation.
At a glance
- What it certifies
- The signature and seal on the document
- Who issues it
- A designated authority in each country
- Translation
- Separate step, by a sworn translator in Guatemala
- Contact
- WhatsApp +502 2261-7501
Key facts
- Apostille
- Certifies the authenticity of the signature and seal on a public document
- Legal basis
- 1961 Hague Apostille Convention; Guatemala is a party
- In Guatemala
- Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- In the United States
- Issued by the Secretary of State of the state where the document was signed
- Translation
- Documents in another language are translated in Guatemala by a sworn translator
- Exception
- Documents authorized by a Guatemalan notary abroad need no apostille
What an apostille is, and what it is not
It certifies the signature
It confirms that the notary or official who signed was real and authorized.
It does not certify the content
The truth of the content is the responsibility of whoever signed it.
It does not translate
Language is a separate step: sworn translation in Guatemala.
It is not issued by notaries
It is issued by an authority designated by each country.
Who issues apostilles where you live
Always check the current procedure on the official website of the issuing authority.
| Country | You sign before | Apostille issued by |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Notary public | Secretary of State of the state where you signed |
| Spain | Notario | The corresponding Colegio Notarial |
| Canada | Notary public | The competent authority, depending on the province |
| Guatemala (for use abroad) | Guatemalan notary or official | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
When you do not need an apostille
If you sign before a Guatemalan attorney-notary practicing in your city, the document is executed under Guatemalan law and in Spanish: no apostille and no translation. It is the fastest route for powers of attorney.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does an apostille certify?
That the signature and seal of the official or notary who signed the document are authentic, and that this person was authorized to sign it. It does not certify that the content is true.
Does a document signed before a Guatemalan notary abroad need an apostille?
No. If a Guatemalan attorney-notary authorized it, it was executed under Guatemalan law and in Spanish, so it needs neither an apostille nor a translation to be used here.
Does the apostille replace the translation?
No. The apostille solves the authenticity of the signature; the language is solved separately. A document in English must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator in Guatemala before it is protocolized and registered.
Who issues apostilles in Guatemala?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores). In the United States, the Secretary of State of each state.
Can a notary apostille a document?
No. A notary authorizes, authenticates or protocolizes documents, but does not issue apostilles. What the notary can do is prepare the document that is later apostilled.
What if my country is not part of the Hague Convention?
Then the apostille does not apply and consular legalization is used instead. It takes longer, but it allows the document to take effect in Guatemala.
Does an apostille expire?
The apostille itself does not expire. What may expire is the underlying document: some certificates are only valid for a limited time for certain procedures.
Lic. Sergio Alvarez
Lic. Sergio Alvarez protocolizes and registers apostilled documents from the United States, Canada and Europe every week.
- Attorney and Notary — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- LL.M. in Finance — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- MBA — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- Master in Management — Tulane University
- Specialization in Corporate Law — Universidad del Istmo
- Diploma in Finance — INCAE Business School and Georgetown University
Send us your document before you ship it
Send us a scan of your document and its apostille. We will confirm it is ready to be used in Guatemala before you send the original.