Chile is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force since 30 August 2016). A U.S. public document bound for Chile needs a single apostille from the competent authority of the state that issued or notarized it, or from the U.S. Department of State for federal documents. No embassy or consular legalization is required, and Chile's authorities cannot demand one.
Acceded 2015-12-16; in force 2016-08-30 (HCCH).
The route, step by step
- Identify the issuing office
State or local signature → that state’s competent authority. Federal signature → U.S. Department of State. How to tell.
- Prepare the right version
Certified copies for vital and court records; complete notarization for private documents. Preparation checklist.
- Request the apostille
Name Chile as the destination on the request form so the office issues an apostille (not an authentication certificate).
- Translate if required
Confirm with the receiving office in Chile whether a translation is needed and by whom it must be made.
Using U.S. documents in Chile
Chile joined in 2016 and issues and verifies e-apostilles through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ portal. For U.S. documents, Chilean authorities (Registro Civil, Extranjería, notaries, universities) accept the U.S. apostille and require a translation into Spanish by a translator recognized in Chile — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ translation department or an accredited translator — for most official uses. Procedures: temporary residency (apostilled FBI or state check issued within 90 days; apostilled birth or marriage certificates for family ties), marriage (apostilled birth certificate and single-status declaration), university revalidation through the Universidad de Chile for degrees, and property POAs protocolized by a Chilean notary.
Why U.S. documents are sent to Chile
- temporary/permanent residency
- marriage in Chile
- school enrollment
- work visa
- inheritance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille or legalization for Chile?
An apostille. Chile is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy legalization is needed.
Who issues the apostille for Chile?
The U.S. state that issued or notarized the document, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents — never a U.S. embassy, and never Chile’s embassy.
Does Chile require a translation?
Requirements vary by the receiving authority in Chile; translate after the apostille with the translator type they specify.
