Documents commonly apostilled for Spain
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Corporate documents
- Criminal background checks
Destination country
Apostille for Spain
Spain has been a Hague Convention member since 1978 and is a popular destination for Americans seeking residency, retirement, education, or marriage. Apostilled U.S. documents are accepted throughout Spain without further legalization.
Does Spain accept U.S. apostilles?
Spain is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (since 1978), so an apostille is the final certification step: no embassy or consular legalization is needed for the document itself.
Membership status checked 2026-06-30. The document type and the receiving authority determine the exact processing path; we confirm it during review.
Common reasons people need one
- Teaching abroad (Auxiliares de Conversacion, NALCAP)
- Retirement and non-lucrative visa
- Student visa
- Work visa and employment
- Marriage registration
- Property purchase
Translation
Spanish translation is required. Translations must be done by a traductor jurado (sworn translator) officially appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC).
Certified translation can be added to any order.
Things to check before you submit
- Sworn Spanish translation by a traductor jurado is mandatory
- Non-lucrative visa and other residency applications have specific document requirements
- Some documents must be issued within 3 months for immigration purposes
- Regional requirements may vary between autonomous communities
Requirements are set by the receiving authority in Spain and can change. Confirm current expectations with the office that will receive your document.
Common questions about apostilles for Spain
Does Spain accept U.S. apostilles?
Yes. Spain has been a Hague Convention member since 1978 and accepts apostilled U.S. documents for immigration, education, marriage, and all other official purposes.
Do I need a Spanish translation of my apostilled documents?
Yes. Spanish authorities require a certified translation by a traductor jurado (sworn translator) appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC).
What documents do I need for Spanish residency?
Spanish residency applications (such as non-lucrative visas or digital nomad visas) typically require apostilled criminal background checks, birth certificates, and marriage certificates (if applicable), all with sworn Spanish translations. Note that the Golden Visa program ended in April 2025.
Can I use an apostilled U.S. diploma to study in Spain?
Yes. Spanish universities accept apostilled U.S. diplomas and transcripts. You will also need a sworn Spanish translation and may need to apply for homologación (credential recognition) through the Spanish Ministry of Education.
How do I get married in Spain with U.S. documents?
You will need apostilled birth certificates and, if applicable, apostilled divorce decrees or death certificates, all with sworn Spanish translations. Documents are submitted to the local Registro Civil where the marriage will take place.
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