How much does it cost to apostille a document in Colombia in 2026?

COP 37,800 per document. Legalization, for non-Hague countries, costs COP 26,200.

How long does the apostille take?

Review takes up to 3 business days, and once you pay the apostille is generated immediately.

How do I apostille a university diploma?

First request certification from the Ministerio de Educación Nacional (free, about 24 hours), then request the apostille on the Cancillería portal.

What's the difference between apostille and legalization?

The apostille is for Hague Convention countries. Legalization is for countries outside the convention.

ID & documents

How do I apostille a document in Colombia?

An apostille certifies a Colombian public document so it is valid in another Hague Convention country, and it is processed 100% online at the Cancillería. The signature of the official or notary must be registered in the Cancillería database. In 2026 an apostille costs COP 37,800 and a legalization COP 26,200.

Go to the official Cancillería (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) site ↗

Independent guide by Colombia Move. Not a government website: the procedure itself is done on the official portal linked here.

Cost: COP 37,800 per apostille and COP 26,200 per legalization in 2026 (Resolution 3969 of 2026). From abroad: USD 11 or EUR 8 per apostille.
How long: Review within 3 business days. The apostille is generated immediately on payment. Some civil registry records need validation of up to 15 business days.
Where: Cancillería (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) · Online
Last checked: October 1, 2026

Who needs it

Anyone who will use a Colombian document abroad: civil registry records, diplomas, background checks, powers of attorney, certificates. Hague Convention countries require an apostille; others require legalization.

What you need

Document showing the public official's name, position, entity, date and signature, with that signature registered at the Cancillería.
Private documents (contracts, powers of attorney, declarations): first get the signature recognized before a notary.
University diplomas: prior certification by the Ministerio de Educación Nacional (free, about 24 hours).
School diplomas: prior certification by the municipal or departmental Secretaría de Educación.
Legible PDF of both sides (max 11 MB). Digitally signed documents (SENA, ICFES): upload them unmodified.

Step by step

1Check the Cancillería requirements page for any prior step your document type needs.
2Go to tramites.cancilleria.gov.co/apostillalegalizacion and choose the document type (up to 10 per request).
3Upload the PDF and destination country. For digitally signed notarial documents, use the notary's 21-character code.
4Wait for the review by email or in the portal: up to 3 business days.
5If approved, check the details and pay within 30 calendar days (PSE, card or authorized banks).
6Download the apostille instantly or receive it by email. It can be verified online with its code and issue date.

Tips and common mistakes

After payment there are no corrections or refunds. Check name, destination country and details before paying.
If rejected because the signature isn't registered, ask the entity or notary to register the official's signature with the Cancillería (it's free).
For university diplomas don't go to a notary: first request the free Ministerio de Educación certification.
The process is online and official only. You don't need an agent; consulates don't issue apostilles, they only take payments.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to apostille a document in Colombia in 2026?: COP 37,800 per document. Legalization, for non-Hague countries, costs COP 26,200.
How long does the apostille take?: Review takes up to 3 business days, and once you pay the apostille is generated immediately.
How do I apostille a university diploma?: First request certification from the Ministerio de Educación Nacional (free, about 24 hours), then request the apostille on the Cancillería portal.
What's the difference between apostille and legalization?: The apostille is for Hague Convention countries. Legalization is for countries outside the convention.

Official sources

Checked on October 1, 2026. Fees and requirements can change; the official site always wins.

Go deeper

📖 How to Get Your Documents Apostilled for Colombia

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