Birth Certificate
Official civil registry document recording a person's birth. Foundational for immigration, citizenship, and family applications.
What is a Birth Certificate?
A birth certificate is issued by the civil registry of the country where the birth occurred. It establishes legal identity and is required for virtually every major international document process: passport applications, dual citizenship, family reunification, name changes, inheritance, and marriage registration abroad. For international use, the original must typically be apostilled and often translated.
Common uses internationally
Most countries require apostilled birth certificates from your country of origin as part of citizenship by descent or naturalization applications.
Consulates require apostilled birth certificates to verify family relationships for spouse, child, or parent reunification applications.
Most countries require an apostilled birth certificate from both partners when registering a marriage between foreign nationals.
Foreign students frequently need an apostilled birth certificate to enroll in schools or universities abroad.
Can this document be apostilled or legalized?
Birth certificates can be apostilled in all Hague Convention member countries. The apostille must be placed on the certified copy issued by the civil registry — not on a photocopy.
See apostille services →When the destination country is not a Hague Convention member, the same document requires full consular legalization instead of apostille.
See legalization services →Who issues this document?
Civil Registry (Registro Civil) of the city/state of birth. For older documents, some countries require re-issuance of a certified copy before apostilling.
Requirements at a glance
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an old handwritten extract — most authorities require a modern certified copy with an official seal.
- Not checking whether a new certified copy must be issued before apostilling — this adds 1–2 weeks to the process.
- Apostilling without a translation when the receiving country requires it — the apostille alone is not enough.
Countries where this document is commonly processed
Relevant services
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the original birth certificate or can I use a photocopy?
You need a certified copy issued by the civil registry — not a photocopy or scan. The apostille is placed on this certified copy. If you only have the original book copy or an old extract, we can help you obtain a new certified copy.
My birth certificate is from a small town with no digital records. Can it still be apostilled?
Yes, but the process is longer. We work with local registries to obtain a properly certified copy first, then proceed with the apostille. Expect 3–6 additional weeks for older documents from small localities.
Does the birth certificate need to include the parents' names?
Most countries require birth certificates that include the full names of both parents. If your older certificate lacks this, some registries can issue a complete version. We check requirements for your destination before starting.
Reviewed by
Sofía RodríguezApostille Specialist
Expert in educational document certification and background checks for Latin America and Spain.
Ready to apostille your Birth Certificate?
Our specialists manage the entire process remotely. Tell us your case.