How to Obtain an Apostille in Spain (Apostilla de La Haya)

If you need to use a Spanish public document abroad, you may be required to obtain an apostille. Spain is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning Spanish documents can be apostilled for use in other Convention countries without further embassy or consular legalisation.

This article explains what an apostille is, which Spanish documents can be apostilled, and how to obtain an apostille in Spain, whether you are in Spain or applying from overseas.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document. It does not certify the accuracy or legal effect of the document’s contents.

Once apostilled, a Spanish document is recognised in all other Hague Convention countries.

Which Spanish Documents Can Be Apostilled?

Common Spanish documents eligible for apostille include:

Birth, marriage, and death certificates
Criminal record certificates (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)
Court judgments and judicial documents
Notarial acts and powers of attorney
University degrees and academic certificates
Company documents and commercial extracts

Private documents generally must be notarised by a Spanish notario before an apostille can be issued.

Who Issues Apostilles in Spain?

Spain has a decentralised apostille system. Apostilles are issued by different authorities depending on the document type:

Ministerio de Justicia – judicial documents and criminal record certificates
Colegio Notarial – notarised documents
Tribunal Superior de Justicia – court-issued documents
Ministerio de Educación – certain academic documents

Applying to the correct authority is essential—applications sent to the wrong office are commonly rejected.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Apostille in Spain

Step 1: Identify the Correct Apostille Authority

Before applying, confirm:

The type of document
The issuing authority
The competent apostille office

For example:

A notarised power of attorney → Colegio Notarial
A criminal record certificate → Ministerio de Justicia

Step 2: Ensure the Document Is Eligible

Check that:

The document is an original or official certified copy
The signature and stamp are clearly visible
Notarial documents are signed by a Spanish notario
The document is recent enough for the receiving authority

Photocopies without proper certification are usually rejected.

Step 3: Submit the Apostille Application

Depending on the authority, applications may be submitted:

In person
By post
Online (limited document types)

Spain increasingly uses electronic apostilles (e-Apostille) for certain documents, though paper apostilles remain common.

Fees are generally low or free, depending on the authority and document type.

Step 4: Processing Time

Indicative processing times:

In person: same day to 3 business days
Postal or regional offices: 3–10 business days
Busy locations (e.g. Madrid, Barcelona): may take longer

The apostille is usually attached as a separate page or affixed directly to the document.

Using a Spanish Apostille Overseas

Once apostilled:

The document is valid in all Hague Convention countries
No embassy or consular legalisation is required

However, the receiving authority may still require:

A certified translation
A document issued within a specific timeframe

Certified Translation Requirements

If the destination country does not accept Spanish-language documents:

A certified translation is usually required
Some authorities require:
- The translator’s certification to be notarised
- A separate apostille on the translation

Translation requirements depend on the destination country, not Spain.

Apostille vs Legalisation in Spain

Apostille: For Hague Convention countries
Legalisation: Required for non-Hague countries and involves embassy or consulate authentication

Always confirm which process applies before submitting documents.

Applying from Outside Spain

If you are overseas, you can:

Authorise a representative in Spain
Apply by post to the competent authority
Use a professional apostille or notary service

This is common for migration, overseas employment, inheritance, and international business matters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Applying to the wrong apostille authority
❌ Submitting uncertified copies
❌ Assuming all documents can be apostilled online
❌ Forgetting translation requirements
❌ Confusing apostille with embassy legalisation

Spain Apostilles