Before diving into how to get an apostille in Spain, let’s first recap what an apostille is and its role in international document certification. An apostille (apostilla de la Haya in Spanish) is an international certification that validates a document’s authenticity, making it legally binding in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Whether you’re dealing with legal matters, education, or personal affairs, you need to apostille your documents; accordingly, this step ensures they are accepted in Spain.
Furthermore, obtaining an apostille in Spain helps align your documents with international standards of authenticity. This guide offers practical insights and step-by-step instructions designed to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Preparing Your Documents for Apostille in Spain
One of the first steps is to check whether your documents meet the prerequisites for an apostille. Typically, this requires notarizing the documents by a Notary Public. For instance, if you plan to get married in Spain, you must first notarize your birth certificate and single status affidavit before you can apostille them.
Additionally, you must have some documents translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado in Spanish) before you can apostille them.
Where to Get an Apostille in Spain
In Spain, the Ministerio de Justicia handles the apostille for certain documents, while others can be apostilled by designated private offices or official bodies. Here’s a breakdown of which documents each entity typically processes:
Documents Apostilled by the Ministerio de Justicia
The Ministerio de Justicia handles the apostille of documents issued by judicial authorities, civil registry offices, and notaries. This includes:
- Judicial Documents:
- Court judgments, orders, and rulings
- Documents issued by judicial officials (e.g., court clerks)
- Civil Registry Documents:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Notarial Documents:
- Notarial acts and deeds
- Notarially certified documents
To get an apostille for the documents mentioned above, visit Ministerio de Justicia‘s website and choose the option that suits you best (in person, by mail, or online).
Also, keep in mind that if you want to obtain an apostille through the Ministry of Justice in Spain via online, you will generally need a digital signature. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain a digital certificate in Spain.
Timeframes
- Online: The timeframe can vary but it is often quicker than the postal service, potentially a few days to a week.
- In Person: Generally, if all documents are in order, you can obtain an apostille on the same day you apply in person.
- Via Post: This method takes longer, typically a few weeks, depending on the postal service and the workload at the Ministry of Justice.
Documents Apostilled by Designated Private Offices or Other Official Bodies
Designated entities such as regional government offices, professional associations, or academic institutions can apostille some documents. These typically include:
- Academic Documents:
- University degrees and transcriptsCertificates issued by educational institutions
- Professional and Commercial Documents:
- Business registration certificatesCommercial invoicesCertificates of origin
- Administrative Documents:
- Documents issued by local or regional authorities
- Certain certificates issued by government departments
To apostille these documents, search on Google for “apostillar” followed by your city. You will find numerous private offices offering this service, and their websites typically list pricing and timeframes.
Fees and Processing Time
The fees for obtaining an apostille in Spain can vary depending on the type of document and the submission method, typically ranging from €10 to €30 per document. Moreover, processing times differ: in-person applications might be completed within a few days, whereas mail applications can take several weeks. Furthermore, some private offices offer an urgent service, allowing you to obtain the apostille on the same day, with prices starting at €40.
Tips for a Smoother Process
To ensure a seamless experience, first double-check all requirements before submitting your application for the apostille. Next, ensure your documents are complete, correctly notarized, and, if necessary, translated by a certified translator. Additionally, remember to make copies of all documents you mail out for your records. By following these steps, you can avoid potential issues and streamline the apostille process.
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