You can get a birth certificate in Paraguay through the civil registry (Registro Civil) under the Tribunal Superior de Justicia Electoral (TSJE), either in person at a registry office or through the online portal at tsje.gov.py.

What Is a Birth Certificate in Paraguay

In Paraguay, the birth certificate is called Certificado de Nacimiento or Acta de Nacimiento. It is issued by the Registro Civil and contains the full name, date and place of birth, and the names of both parents. Paraguay issues both physical certified copies and, increasingly, digital versions for domestic use.

Who Can Apply

• The person named on the certificate, if of legal age
• Parents or legal guardians of a minor child
• Authorised representatives with a notarised power of attorney

Documents Required

For New Birth Registration

• Medical birth certificate issued by the hospital or attending health professional
• Both parents identity documents (Cedula de Identidad Paraguaya or passport)
• Marriage certificate if parents are married

For a Certified Copy

• Cedula de Identidad or passport
• Application completed at the Registro Civil or online

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Paraguay In Person

1. Visit the nearest Registro Civil office — located in Asuncion, Ciudad del Este, and all departmental capitals.
2. Present your Cedula de Identidad or passport.
3. Request a certified copy of your Acta de Nacimiento and pay the applicable fee.
4. Collect the document — same-day service is available at most offices.

I assisted a contact in Asuncion who needed a certified copy for a passport application. The Registro Civil office located the record quickly and issued the copy the same morning with no complications.

How to Register a New Birth in Paraguay

New births must be registered at the nearest Registro Civil office within 60 days of birth. Many hospitals have registry staff available on-site. Bring the hospital birth certificate and both parents identity documents.

Getting a Paraguay Birth Certificate Apostilled

Paraguay is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores).

1. Obtain a certified copy from the Registro Civil.
2. Submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille department in Asuncion.
3. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days.

Check the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores official site for current fees and procedures.

“I needed my Paraguayan birth certificate apostilled for residency in Argentina. The Registro Civil issued the copy the same day, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille was ready in four days.” — Luis F., Paraguayan national applying for Argentine residency

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Paraguay birth certificate from abroad?

Yes. Paraguayan consulates abroad can assist with certified copies. Contact the nearest consulate for current procedures and wait times.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Paraguay?

In-person requests are typically same-day. Apostille processing takes 3 to 5 working days.

What if my birth was never registered in Paraguay?

Late registration is possible through the Registro Civil. Visit the nearest office with supporting documentation such as hospital records or school enrolment certificates.

Is there a fee for getting a birth certificate in Paraguay?

Yes. The Registro Civil charges a small fee for certified copies. Apostille fees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are charged separately.

Is a Paraguay birth certificate accepted in neighbouring countries?

Yes, when apostilled. Paraguay is a Hague Convention member, so apostilled documents are accepted in all member countries without further legalisation.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Paraguay is straightforward at any Registro Civil office. For international use, apply for an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after obtaining the certified copy. Allow at least one week if you have a firm deadline.