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📄 Guide · Documentation

Apostille of foreign
documents for Spain.

The Hague Apostille is the international recognition of your documents. Here's everything you need to know about when you need it and how to get it.

What is the Hague Apostille

A certification that gives your document international validity.

The Hague Apostille is a certification issued by the authorities of the country where a document was issued, confirming the authenticity of the signatures and seals it contains. With an apostille, the document is automatically recognised in countries that have signed the Hague Convention, including Spain and most countries worldwide.

In practice, it replaces the old consular legalisation process. It is simpler, faster, and in many cases can be requested online.

Not all documents need an apostille: A passport or national ID card does not need one. An apostille is required for documents such as university degrees, birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record checks, when they're being used in an official context in Spain.

Documents that commonly need apostilling

What documents typically require an apostille.

🎓
University degree
For recognition of academic qualifications in Spain, degree homologation, or access to regulated professions.
👶
Birth certificate
For family reunification, residence applications, or recognition of parentage in Spain.
💍
Marriage certificate
For recognition of marital status in Spain or applications involving your spouse.
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Criminal record check
For long-stay visas, certain residence processes, and regulated employment sectors.
📋
Power of attorney
When granting someone in your home country authority to act on your behalf, in notarial, property or legal matters.
⚖️
Notarial and judicial documents
Deeds, court rulings, wills and other documents issued by notaries or courts in another country.
Step by step

How to get your documents apostilled.

01
Identify the competent authority in your country
Each country has its own authority for issuing apostilles. In many countries the process can now be done online. Check which body is responsible for your type of document.
02
Select the document type
The type of apostille varies depending on which body issued the document (court, notary, government ministry, etc.). The competent authority will guide you on the correct path for each type.
03
Ask a family member or representative in your country
If you can't go in person, you can arrange it through a family member or via power of attorney. Some authorities also accept postal requests.
04
Check if you need a certified translation
In Spain, some apostilled documents in a foreign language may require a certified translation into Spanish, depending on the purpose. Check with the institution requesting the document.
Practical tips

What's worth knowing before you apply.

📦
Apply well in advance, especially if you need the document for an administrative deadline. The process can take weeks depending on the authority and their workload.
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The apostille certifies the document's authenticity, not its translation. If the document is going to be used officially in Spain, check whether you also need a certified translation into Spanish.
📱
Many applications can be made online, and a digital apostille has the same legal value as a physical one. Check the electronic option before asking someone to go in person.
📐
Always keep copies of apostilled documents, both originals and digital scans. Once in Spain, it can be difficult to re-request them without someone you trust back home to handle the process.
Frequently asked questions

Questions that come up every time.

Does an apostille expire?
Technically, the apostille itself doesn't expire, but the document it authenticates may have a validity limit (certificates issued more than 3 months ago are frequently rejected in administrative processes). Always check the document validity requirement with the institution requesting it.
Can I request an apostille from Spain?
Yes, but the application is made in your home country, so you'll need someone who can handle the process there (in some cases). Many applications are now digital and can be done remotely.
Does a passport need an apostille?
No. A passport is an international document that does not require an apostille to be recognised in Spain.

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