Sworn translation of documents in Argentina: how, where and how much

In short

Migraciones, the Registro Civil, RENAPER and the courts need foreign-language documents translated by an Argentine sworn translator (traductor público), with the translator’s signature legalised by the Colegio de Traductores. A translation made and notarised in Russia, Kazakhstan or anywhere else will not be accepted here. The right order is: apostille on the original at home → translation in Argentina, including the apostille → legalisation at the Colegio. As of October 2026, expect from 87,400 pesos per page for a Russian translation plus 33,000 pesos to legalise each document.

Which documents are usually translated

Step by step

1. Apostille on the original in the issuing country. If the country is not in the Hague Convention, consular legalisation at an Argentine consulate.
2. Translator. Find a sworn translator for your language in the Colegio’s official register (“Idioma” filter). Translators we know are listed in our directory.
3. Translation. Everything is translated: the document, the apostille, stamps and notes. The translator signs and stamps it.
4. Legalisation at the Colegio. Anyone can drop off a paper translation; digital legalisation is done only by the translator with a digital signature.
5. Filing. The set — apostilled original plus legalised translation — is uploaded to RaDEX and brought to the appointment or to the Registro Civil.

Cost and timing

Legalisation at the Buenos Aires Colegio de Traductores (CTPCBA), fees from September 1, 2026:

The translator’s work is paid separately. The Colegio’s suggested minimum from May 2026 for a personal document from Russian into Spanish is 87,400 pesos per page (foja), and 104,900 pesos into Russian; urgency adds at least 20%. Armenian, Georgian, Hebrew or Uzbek may cost more. This is a guide: the translator quotes the actual price and timing.

Important: a translation that combines several public documents cannot be legalised — each certificate is translated and legalised separately. Allow 3–7 business days for a full set.

Translating at home or in Argentina

• A notarised translation from your home country does not work for Argentine authorities: Migraciones expressly requires a translation by a “traductor público nacional” legalised by the Colegio.
• The apostille, by contrast, can only be obtained at home — Argentina cannot apostille a foreign document. Get it before you fly; if you didn’t, a representative with a power of attorney can help.
• You can start early: send scans to a translator in Argentina remotely and bring the originals with you. Digital legalisation gives you the finished translation as a PDF.

If the translation was done at a consulate

• A translation certified by your country’s consulate in Buenos Aires is a consular document. For Migraciones such documents need legalisation by Argentina’s Foreign Ministry, and a Spanish translation by a sworn translator is usually still required. In practice it is faster and safer to go straight to a traductor público.
• A translation certified by an Argentine consulate abroad is sometimes accepted, but Migraciones’ official requirements refer to a sworn translator and the Colegio. Don’t count on it without written confirmation from the office where you file.

The other direction: Argentine documents for home

Your child’s birth certificate for Russian or other documents is first apostilled by Argentina’s Foreign Ministry. If an Argentine sworn translator translates it into Russian, the Colegio issues a digital legalisation, which can then receive a second apostille from the Foreign Ministry. Whether your consulate or home authorities accept such a translation — check in advance; details in Baby documents after birth.

Common mistakes

• Translating at home — you will have to do it again.
• No apostille on the original — a translation won’t save it.
• The apostille not translated — the translation is rejected.
• Names spelled differently from the passport — the mismatch carries into your child’s documents. Give the translator a passport copy and read Patronymics in foreign documents.
• Several certificates in one translation — the Colegio will not legalise it.
• The criminal record expiring while you wait for the translation — plan both timelines together.

How we help

We find a sworn translator for your language, check name spellings and assemble the set before filing — see Interpreters.