Apostille Services for Spanish Documents – 2025 Guide
If you’ve been asked to legalise a Spanish document for use abroad — or you need to use a foreign document in Spain — you’ll likely need an apostille. This guide explains what an apostille is, when it’s needed, and how to obtain one under the 1961 Hague Convention.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of legalisation that certifies the authenticity of a document so it can be used in another country. Spain, like many other countries, is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means documents that have been apostilled in Spain are recognised in other Hague member countries — without requiring further embassy or consulate legalisation.
Common Documents That Need Apostille Legalisation
- ✔️ Birth, marriage, or death certificates
- ✔️ Criminal background checks (e.g. Spanish antecedentes penales)
- ✔️ Notarised power of attorney documents
- ✔️ Academic qualifications (degrees, transcripts)
- ✔️ Company formation documents
- ✔️ Wills and inheritance papers
- ✔️ Affidavits and sworn declarations
- ✔️ Legal judgments or court orders
Who Issues the Apostille in Spain?
In Spain, apostilles are issued by different authorities depending on the type of document:
- Notarial Documents: The Colegio Notarial (Notarial College) issues apostilles for documents authorised by notaries.
- Public/Administrative Documents: The Ministry of Justice (Ministerio de Justicia) handles civil documents like birth or marriage certificates.
- Judicial Documents: Apostilles for court documents are also managed by the Ministry of Justice or judicial clerks.
How to Get an Apostille in Spain
The process can vary depending on the type of document and where it was issued. Here is a typical process we follow:
Determine whether it’s a public record (e.g., birth certificate), a notarised document, or a court-issued paper.
Some documents need notarisation before they can be apostilled — especially affidavits or translations.
We handle the submission to the right authority (Ministry of Justice or Notarial College).
You’ll receive the stamped and legalised version of the document — ready for international use.
Apostilles for Foreign Documents
If your documents were issued outside of Spain, they must be apostilled in the country of origin — not in Spain. For example, a UK birth certificate must be apostilled in the United Kingdom, and a US background check must be apostilled in the United States. Once apostilled, these documents can be legally recognised in Spain.
We work with trusted legalisation providers and partners in the UK, USA, and other countries to make the process faster and easier for you. In many cases, we can obtain a digital copy of the apostilled document within 1–2 working days.
How to Get an Apostille in Your Country
United Kingdom
Request apostilles via the UK Legalisation Office. Common documents like ACRO certificates and birth certificates can be apostilled by post. Normal turnaround is 2–5 working days. We also offer fast-track options via our UK-based partner services.
United States
US apostilles are issued at the state level for state documents and by the US Department of State for federal documents. Timelines vary by state, but our US collaborators can often secure a digital apostille in 3–7 working days.
Canada
Canada is not a Hague Convention member, so apostilles are replaced by a two-step authentication and legalisation process. We coordinate this through our Canadian partners and Spanish consulates abroad.
Other Countries
We work with trusted partners in Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America. Get in touch and we’ll help determine the exact steps for your country of origin.
If you're unsure where to start, our team can confirm which authority is responsible in your country and assist with every step, including translation and submission to Spanish authorities.
Certified Translations
Many apostilled documents also need to be translated. We offer official sworn translations (traducción jurada) that are accepted by Spanish authorities and courts.
Start Your Apostille Process Today
Whether you need one document legalised or a full pack of certified papers and translations, we’ll take care of everything from start to finish — quickly, correctly, and with English-speaking support
FAQs About Apostilles in Spain
Do I need an apostille for my NIE, TIE, or residency documents?
No — Spanish immigration documents are already valid within Spain. However, if you’re using them abroad, an apostille may be required by the receiving country.
How long does it take to get an apostille? What if my document is from the UK or US?
In Spain, the apostille processing time depends on the issuing authority and the type of document:
- Notarial documents (e.g. powers of attorney): typically apostilled within 1–3 working days.
- Civil documents (e.g. birth, marriage, or criminal records issued by the Ministry of Justice): usually take 5–10 working days.
Foreign documents — such as those issued in the UK, USA, or any other country — must be apostilled in their country of origin. Spain cannot issue apostilles for documents issued abroad. Each country has its own designated authority (e.g. the UK Legalisation Office or the US Secretary of State).
At Platinum Legal Spain, we work with trusted international collaborators who can often obtain a digital copy of the apostille within 24–48 hours for UK or US documents. This is ideal for time-sensitive immigration or residency applications.
If you’re unsure where to start or need help legalising a document quickly, contact our team — we’ll guide you through every step.
Can I apostille a document in Spain for use in a non-Hague country?
<p>No. If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, further legalisation via consulate is required. We can advise based on your case.</p>
Do translations also need to be apostilled?
Only if requested by the destination authority. In most cases, it’s the original document that is apostilled, and the translation accompanies it.
-
❗ Legal Disclaimer
This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, visa requirements, and administrative procedures in Spain are subject to change, and the specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality, personal circumstances, and the consulate or immigration office involved. While we strive to keep this information accurate and up to date, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration specialist or legal professional before making any decisions or submitting an application. Platinum Legal Spain accepts no liability for actions taken based on the information provided herein.