Apostilled documents in London for use in Paraguay

London apostille for Paraguay — legalise documents at PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX for official use.

London → Paraguay

Hague Members

Destination Paraguay

Destination status Hague Convention member

Issued by The Legalisation Office (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)

Standard turnaround Up to 25 working days, plus postage

Information validated 19 August 2026

Complete Guide

Apostille from London for use in Paraguay

How to get a UK document legalised with an apostille for official use in Paraguay.

In this guide

Apostille vs embassy legalisation for Paraguay
Paraguay's Hague status & what it means
The London → Paraguay route step by step
Cost & timing for this route
Destination-specific requirements

Apostille vs embassy legalisation for Paraguay

Paraguay accepts the apostille for official papers issued in the UK. This means you do not need to visit the Paraguayan embassy in London for further stamps after getting the apostille. The apostille from United Kingdom to Paraguay is a single certificate that makes your paper valid there. Once the Legalisation Office attaches it, your document has all the endorsements needed under international law.

Paraguay's Hague status & what it means

Paraguay joined the Hague Convention that created the apostille system. Since joining all those years ago, there has been no requirement for embassy legalisation of papers moving between the two countries. The authorities in Paraguay will recognise the apostille issued in London for use in Paraguay once it bears the official stamp.

The London → Paraguay route step by step

Start by ensuring your paper is an official UK record or a certified copy. For civil records like birth certificates, the Westminster Register Office can provide a new certified copy if you wish to keep your original safe. Send the document to the Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes by post for the apostille. Include a simple letter stating you need document legalisation for Paraguay and your return address. The office will add the apostille and return the paper by recorded mail.

Cost & timing for this route

The standard fee per document applies when you mail your application. Add the time needed to get any certified copies if you are not using your original paper. The Legalisation Office states their current turnaround time on their website. Remember to factor in postage both ways when planning your schedule.

Destination-specific requirements

Paraguay requires all documents to be translated into Spanish for local use. This translation must be either made in Paraguay or certified by a professional recognised there. Ask what you need for an apostille for Paraguay by contacting the office where the paper will be presented. Some authorities have additional form requirements or registration steps for foreign papers. Check the latest guidance from Paraguay's relevant ministry to confirm any recent changes in procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

London → Paraguay apostille FAQ

Is a London apostille for Paraguay the right certification?

Yes, an apostille issued in London is the correct certification for documents to be used in Paraguay. This is because both countries are members of the Hague Convention, which Paraguay joined in 2014. The apostille is attached to your original document by the Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes, which handles all UK applications. The apostille confirms the signature and seal on your document so it will be accepted by Paraguayan authorities. You can apply by post to the address PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX.

What kinds of documents can I get apostilled for Paraguay?

Any UK public document can receive an apostille for use in Paraguay. This includes birth, marriage and death certificates from Westminster Register Office, court papers from UK courts, and educational documents from British institutions. The document must be either an original or a certified copy issued by the relevant authority. If you have a civil record like a birth certificate, order a fresh certified copy from the register office rather than sending your only original. The certified copy can then be apostilled safely through the post.

How long does the process take?

The Legalisation Office quotes up to 25 working days for standard processing once they receive your application. This does not include postage time to and from their office in Milton Keynes. Registered businesses can use a faster next-day service, but individuals must plan for the full processing period. Factor in extra time if you need to request a new certified copy of a document from the issuing office before sending it for the apostille. Always allow a buffer before your document is needed in Paraguay.

Do I need to translate the document for use in Paraguay?

Yes, Paraguayan authorities require documents to be in Spanish. You'll need a certified translation of both your original document and the apostille certificate. The translation must be done by a professional translator and may need additional certification depending on the receiving authority in Paraguay. It's best to complete the apostille first, then have the entire package translated together. Check with the specific Paraguayan office that will receive the document to confirm their exact requirements for translations.

Can I walk in to get the apostille done faster?

No, the Legalisation Office operates solely by post and does not accept in-person applications or collections. All documents must be sent to their Milton Keynes address. This applies whether you're in London or elsewhere in the UK. Some third-party services offer expedited processing, but they still work through the same postal system. Plan your application timing based on the standard processing period to avoid last-minute problems with your Paraguayan paperwork.

What's the difference between an apostille and embassy legalisation for Paraguay?

Since Paraguay is a Hague Convention member, an apostille is all that's required for documents to be legally recognised there. Embassy legalisation is an older, more complex process that involves multiple steps including certification by the UK government and then by the Paraguayan Embassy. The apostille system replaced this with a single certification step. You only need the apostille from the UK side - no additional certification from the Paraguayan Embassy is necessary. This makes the process simpler and faster for documents being used in Paraguay.

How It Works

Four steps to your Paraguay-ready apostille

No office visits, no queues. The entire process is handled remotely and you track every step in real time.

Prepare your document

Obtain the original document (or a certified copy) you need to use abroad, and check whether it must be notarised first.

Confirm the requirements

Verify the document is eligible for an apostille.

Submit to The Legalisation Office

The apostille is issued by The Legalisation Office, the competent authority. The government fee is £45 / document (standard postal); £40 / document next-day (registered businesses).

Receive your apostille

The authority attaches the apostille certificate, making the document valid abroad with no further embassy legalisation.

Where to go

Where London documents are certified and apostilled

These are two different offices doing two different jobs. The local register office issues the certified copy of a London birth, marriage or death record — check its current appointment rules before going. The apostille itself before use in Paraguay comes from the FCDO Legalisation Office, the UK's single competent authority, which accepts documents by post rather than in person.

Westminster Register Office

Certified copies of civil records (birth, marriage, death)

317 Harrow Road, London W9 3RJ

Directions →

FCDO Legalisation Office

Issues the apostille — UK-wide, by post

PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX

Directions →

Document Types