Document Checklist: Apostille, Translation and Legalization
Document preparation is a common cause of delays. This checklist describes the typical sequence for Russian citizens; the exact list depends on your route and should be confirmed by a lawyer.
Updated: 2026-10-21
Which Russian documents are needed and how are they legalized for Argentina?
Usually an international passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, and a Russian criminal record certificate (plus ones from countries of residence). Russia and Argentina are parties to the 1961 Hague Convention, so documents are apostilled in Russia and then translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor público) in Argentina, legalized by the Colegio de Traductores.
Core documents
- Valid international passport (copies of all used pages)
- Birth certificate — apostilled
- Marriage / divorce certificate — apostilled (if applicable)
- Russian Interior Ministry criminal record certificate — apostilled (requested via Gosuslugi or MVD)
- Criminal record certificates from recent countries of residence
- Source-of-funds documents (investment route)
- Documents for spouse and children (family application)
Step 1. Apostille in Russia
The apostille is issued in Russia by the authority that issued the document (civil registry, MVD, Ministry of Justice, etc.).
The MVD apostilles criminal record certificates; regional civil registry offices apostille ZAGS documents. If you are abroad, check options via the Russian consulate or a representative with power of attorney.
Step 2. Translation in Argentina
Translation into Spanish is done by a traductor público registered in Argentina; the signature is legalized by the Colegio de Traductores Públicos.
Translations made in Russia are generally not accepted without further legalization. The apostille itself is also translated.
Step 3. Validity periods
- Criminal record certificates are usually accepted for a limited time (often 90 days from issue) — verify
- Plan apostille and translation so documents are still valid when filed
- Names must match the passport (transliteration)
Common mistakes
- Inconsistent surname transliteration across documents
- Apostille on the wrong document (copy instead of original)
- Translation without Colegio de Traductores legalization
- Expired criminal record certificate
Lists and validity periods depend on the specific procedure and may change. Check current Dirección Nacional de Migraciones requirements.