Apostille for Spain
Spain has been a party to the Apostille Convention for decades, so U.S. public documents need an apostille and no embassy legalization.
Documents commonly requested
- FBI background check for long-stay visas and residency
- Power of attorney for property, inheritance and tax matters
- Certificate of Good Standing and Articles of Incorporation for company matters
- Board resolutions authorizing a Spanish subsidiary or representative
Apostille first, then sworn translation
Spanish authorities commonly expect a translation by a traductor jurado appointed by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The translator should translate the apostille too, so the apostille must be finished first. Many sworn translators can work from a good-quality PDF, which is where digital delivery saves time.
Timing an FBI report
Consulates commonly expect a criminal record certificate issued within the last 90 days, and some allow longer. Check your consulate's page. Then work backward from your appointment, allowing about 9 business days for our federal apostille service plus translation time. See our FBI report timeline.
Paper originals in Spain
Spain runs its own e-Apostille and e-Register system for Spanish public documents, but that does not change how an office treats a scan of a U.S. paper apostille. Consular checklists often say original and copy. Spanish notaries generally need the original of a foreign power of attorney. Ask before you order.