Nicaragua is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so the route depends on which country issued the document. A U.S. document going to Nicaragua needs an apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state. A Nicaraguan document coming here is apostilled by the foreign ministry in Managua, and the same ministry portal that handles consular appointments covers apostille requests.
Quick facts
Consulates also authenticate documents within their own remit, which matters when the paper was issued by the consulate itself.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. state document | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State of that state |
| Apostille on a U.S. federal document | $20 per document | U.S. Department of State |
| Apostille on a Nicaraguan document | Charged in Nicaragua | Foreign ministry |
| Consular authentication | Consular tariff | Within the post’s remit |
| Translation into Spanish | Per page | Where required |
Apostille the original first and translate afterwards, so the translation covers the apostille as well as the document.
How to prepare a document for Nicaragua
- Order a certified copy from the issuing office rather than using a photocopy.
- Notarise private documents first, since the apostille certifies the notary’s signature.
- File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or with Washington for federal records.
- Arrange the Spanish translation where the receiving office asks for one.
- Check how recent the document must be when it arrives.
Required documents
- Original certified copy with signature and seal.
- Completed state authentication request and payment.
- Prepaid return envelope for mail filings.
- Photo ID for in-person service.
What consulates do instead
They take passport applications, handle identity cards and consular registration, register births and marriages, obtain civil records from Nicaragua, execute powers of attorney and authenticate documents.
Additional notes
The birth certificate again
A Nicaraguan birth certificate used abroad normally needs the apostille from Managua. Ordering it and apostilling it are two separate requests.
Never apostille a photocopy
The certificate attaches to an original or to a certified copy from the record keeper.
Order two copies
Nicaraguan offices keep what they receive, and repeating the chain from abroad is slow.
Ask the receiving office
Requirements differ between a bank, a registry and a court. One question first saves a wasted chain.