Apostille for Spain · California Documents
Apostille for Spain from California
Spain has been a Hague Convention member since 1978 — a California apostille is accepted for NIE applications, Spanish citizenship by descent, marriage registration, and residency filings.
Documents we apostille for Spain
Birth certificate
Required for Spanish citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) and Civil Registry filings at the Spanish Consulate.
Marriage certificate
Apostilled for recognition at the Spanish Civil Registry and spousal immigration documentation.
FBI background check
Federal route via U.S. Dept of State — not California SOS. Required for Spanish residency permits (Tarjeta de Residencia).
Diploma & transcripts
For credential homologation (convalidación/homologación) by the Spanish Ministry of Education.
Power of attorney
Notarized in California, apostilled for property (escritura pública) and legal matters before Spanish notaries and authorities.
Divorce decree
Apostilled for prior-marriage documentation at the Spanish Civil Registry or Consulate.
How the Spain apostille works
- Document check ($45, credited). We verify your document is California-issued, correctly certified, and Spain-ready before any Secretary of State fee is paid.
- Sacramento filing. Couriered to the California Secretary of State — mail-in or same-day in person depending on your timeline.
- Spain routing. Spain has been a Hague member since 1978. California apostilles are accepted by the Spanish Civil Registry, Consulate, notaries, and immigration offices.
- Returned tracked. Apostilled document returned by tracked carrier with status updates throughout.
Spain apostille — FAQ
Yes. Spain has been a Hague Convention member since 1978 and accepts apostilles from any other member, including the California Secretary of State.
Typically: apostilled California birth certificate of the applicant, apostilled California birth certificate of the Spanish parent/grandparent (or certified copy from the Spanish Civil Registry), and apostilled marriage certificate if the lineage passes through marriage. The Spanish Consulate in your jurisdiction specifies the exact checklist — requirements vary by generation of descent.
Yes, in most official proceedings. Spanish courts, registries, and notaries require Spanish-language documents. A traductor jurado (sworn translator) registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs produces legally valid translations.
No. FBI Identity History Summary documents are federal records authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. We prepare California documents and advise on the federal route for FBI.
Status and requirements for Spain verified against the HCCH Apostille Section status table (hcch.net) as of 2026-06-19. Not legal advice.