CertTranslateCertTranslate
Sworn translation standardVerified June 2026

Document Translation Requirements in Uruguay

Official bodies in Uruguay generally require a sworn translation of foreign-language documents, and many documents also need an apostille or legalization before they are translated. Below: who can translate, when an apostille is needed, and where the official rules are published.

Uruguay requirements at a glance

Translation standardSworn translation
Who can translateRegistered Traductor Público
ApostilleRequired for foreign public documents unless exempt by treaty
Accepted languagesSpanish
Responsible authorityMinistry of Foreign Affairs (Apostille)
Important: Only translators holding the protected university degree of Traductor Público may issue legally valid translations for official use in Uruguay.

Who can translate documents for use in Uruguay?

Official translations in Uruguay must be completed by a Traductor Público. This title is obtained through a recognised university degree, typically from the University of the Republic (UDELAR), and confers authority to perform sworn translations nationwide.

What makes a translation official in Uruguay?

A sworn translation must include:
  • The translator’s signature
  • The official seal (stamp)
  • A statement certifying that the translation is accurate and complete
  • Translations issued by non-qualified individuals are not accepted by public authorities, courts, or notaries.

    How does Uruguay treat documents from abroad?

    Foreign public documents intended for use in Uruguay must first be apostilled or legalised in the country of origin. They must then be translated into Spanish by a registered Traductor Público.

    Legal basis

    The profession of Traductor Público is regulated under Uruguayan higher education and professional laws. Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Hague Apostille Convention.

    Ready to translate your Spanish documents?

    Certified for USCIS, universities, and credential evaluators — from $24.95/page.

    Start my translation

    Which direction are your documents going?

    Translating Spanish documents for the U.S.?

    Uruguayan birth certificates, diplomas, and transcripts submitted to USCIS, universities, or credential evaluators need a certified English translation — that is exactly what we do, with a 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee.

    Sending U.S. documents to Uruguay?

    U.S.-issued documents usually need an apostille before they can be used in Uruguay — and the apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the certificate itself gets translated too. We offer e-apostille processing as an add-on to any order.

    Real casework

    Real Spanish translation cases we've handled

    Anonymized Spanish-to-English orders. Each case shows the exact translation problem and how we solved it for the receiving authority.

    Uruguay translation requirements — FAQ

    What type of translation does Uruguay require?

    Uruguay follows the sworn translation standard for official documents. Translations should be completed by: registered traductor público.

    Is an apostille required for foreign documents in Uruguay?

    Required for foreign public documents unless exempt by treaty

    What languages do Uruguayan authorities accept?

    Official authorities in Uruguay accept documents in: Spanish. Documents in any other language need a sworn translation before submission.

    Can CertTranslate help with documents for Uruguay?

    If you are submitting Uruguayan documents to U.S. authorities (USCIS, universities, credential evaluators), yes — our certified translations are accepted nationwide. For official use inside Uruguay, authorities usually require a translator sworn or registered locally — use the official registry linked on this page. We can also advise on apostille requirements for U.S.-issued documents.

    Requirements in related countries

    Neighbors and countries with a similar translation standard.

    Sources

    Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.

    Need a certified Spanish translation?

    Signed Certificate of Accuracy with every order, 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee, optional notarization and e-apostille — delivered in 24–48 hours.