Apostille for Spain
Spain is a Hague Apostille Convention member, so U.S. documents for use in Spain need a state or federal apostille. Many Spanish offices also require a sworn Spanish translation (traducción jurada). We handle the apostille process and help coordinate translations.
Serving clients across California and nationwide. Same-day rush available for urgent cases.
Why Spain requires an apostille on U.S. documents
Spain is a founding member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Spanish courts, civil registries, government offices, universities, and employers accept U.S. public documents that carry a valid apostille. Without it, your documents have no legal standing in Spain.
- State documents (birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates, court records, school records, and notarized documents) are apostilled by the Secretary of State in the state where they were issued or notarized.
- Federal documents (FBI background checks, IRS letters, Social Security letters, and other federal agency records) are authenticated and apostilled through the U.S. Department of State.
- Sworn translations: Spain frequently requires a traducción jurada — a sworn translation done by a Traductor Jurado officially authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Standard certified translations may not be accepted for court, registry, or visa matters.
Why people need U.S. documents apostilled for Spain
Non-lucrative visas, digital nomad visas, student visas, and other residency permits issued by Spanish consulates in the U.S. or by Extranjería offices in Spain often require apostilled birth certificates, background checks, and financial documents.
Spanish Registro Civil offices require apostilled birth certificates for both parties, and if previously married, apostilled divorce decrees or death certificates. A certificado de soltería (single-status affidavit) may also be required.
Applications for Spanish nationality by descent, marriage, or residence may require apostilled U.S. birth certificates, naturalization certificates, marriage certificates, and FBI background checks.
Buying or inheriting property in Spain through a notario often requires apostilled powers of attorney, corporate documents, death certificates, and court orders related to the estate.
Enrolling in Spanish universities or having U.S. degrees recognized (homologación) by the Spanish Ministry of Education requires apostilled diplomas, transcripts, and sometimes course descriptions.
U.S. retirees living in Spain may need apostilled Social Security letters, IRS tax documents, or pension verification for Spanish tax filings or residency renewals.
Common documents we apostille for use in Spain
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees and certificates, death certificates, single-status affidavits (certificado de soltería), and name-change orders.
FBI background checks, IRS tax residency letters, Social Security benefit verification, USCIS naturalization certificates, and consular reports of birth abroad.
High school and college diplomas, official transcripts, enrollment letters, and professional licenses for university admission, homologación, or employment in Spain.
General and special powers of attorney, consent letters, sworn statements, and other notarized documents for Spanish notarios, courts, and government agencies.
Sworn translations for Spain (traducción jurada)
Spain is stricter about translations than many other countries. For most official purposes, Spanish authorities require a traducción jurada — a sworn translation completed by a translator authorized by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Traductor-Intérprete Jurado).
- A standard “certified translation” from a U.S.-based translator may not be accepted by Spanish courts, civil registries, or consulates.
- The sworn translation must include the translator’s official stamp, signature, and certification statement in the format required by Spanish law.
- We can connect you with qualified Traductores Jurados or coordinate through our translation services to ensure the translation meets Spain’s specific requirements.
- Timing tip: have your apostille completed first, then get the sworn translation done on the apostilled document so the translator can include the apostille information.
How we handle apostilles for Spain
Step 1 — Document review
You tell us which documents you have, where they were issued, and what they will be used for in Spain. We review each one and confirm whether it is ready for apostille or needs corrections, reissuance, or notarization first.
Step 2 — Preparation
We handle any needed notarization, request certified copies if yours are outdated or incomplete, and organize every document for submission. We also flag which documents will likely need a sworn Spanish translation.
Step 3 — Apostille submission
We submit your documents to the correct office — the Secretary of State for state-issued and notarized documents, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents — with all required forms, fees, and return packaging.
Step 4 — Return, translation & delivery
Once your apostilled documents are returned, we inspect them and then deliver or ship them to you. If you need sworn translations, we coordinate that step so everything is ready for your Spanish consulate appointment, visa application, or filing.
How long does a Spain apostille take?
Typically 3–10 business days by mail for California; other states vary. Walk-in or expedited options are available in some states.
U.S. Department of State processing is typically 4–8 weeks by mail. Required for FBI background checks, IRS letters, and other federal agency records.
Sworn translations by a Traductor Jurado typically take 3–7 business days depending on document length. Plan for this step after your apostille is complete.
We give you a realistic timeline estimate based on your specific documents and deadline before you commit, so there are no surprises.
Ready to get your documents apostilled for Spain?
Tell us what documents you have, which Spanish office or consulate will receive them, and when you need them ready — we will confirm the steps, timeline, and cost before you commit.
Same-day rush available for urgent cases. Serving clients across California and nationwide.