Documents That Require Apostille for Mexico
- Birth certificate — required for residency, CURP, and family reunification
- Marriage certificate — for spousal residency applications
- Divorce decree — if previously married
- Police clearance / criminal background check — required for permanent residency and some temporary residency types
- Academic degrees — for work permit applications
- Bank statements / financial documents — these typically do NOT need apostille, only translation
How to Get an Apostille
United States
Contact the Secretary of State office in the state where the document was issued. Most states offer online mail-in apostille services. Cost: $10–$25 per document. Time: 3–10 business days.
United Kingdom
Apply through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or an authorized agent. Cost: ~£30–£75. Time: 5–15 business days.
Canada
Global Affairs Canada handles apostilles for federal documents. Provincial documents go to the relevant provincial authority. Cost: ~CAD $35–$100. Time: 5–20 business days.
Russia / CIS Countries
Contact the Ministry of Justice or regional civil registry (ZAGS) office. Cost: varies significantly by region. Time: 1–10 business days.
Important: Mexico is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your country is also a member, apostille is sufficient. If not, you'll need full consular legalization (a longer process).
Certified Translation Requirements
After apostille, all documents must be translated into Spanish by a perito traductor (court-certified translator). Requirements:
- The translator must be registered with a Mexican federal or state court
- Translation must include the translator's stamp, signature, and registration number
- Both original and translation must be presented together at INM
Cost per document translation: typically $50–$150 USD depending on document length.
Full Document Checklist for Residency Application
- ☐ Valid passport (no apostille needed)
- ☐ Birth certificate (apostille + Spanish translation)
- ☐ Marriage/divorce certificate if applicable (apostille + translation)
- ☐ Police clearance (apostille + translation) — for permanent residency
- ☐ Bank statements showing required income (translation only, no apostille)
- ☐ Photos (white background, no glasses)
- ☐ INM application form
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication issued by a government authority that certifies the legitimacy of a document for use in other countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention.
Which documents need apostille for Mexico immigration?
Birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance, divorce decree, academic degrees, and any other official document issued abroad.
How long does an apostille take?
Typically 1–5 business days for US documents. Other countries vary from same-day to several weeks.
Do I need a certified translation too?
Yes. Apostilled documents must also be translated into Spanish by a certified perito traductor (expert translator) recognized by Mexican courts.