Most U.S. documents going to Spain are for residence: the non-lucrative visa, the digital nomad visa, family reunification, or marriage. Spain has accepted apostilles since 1978, so no embassy step is involved.
Two rules catch Americans out. A federal document, above all the FBI background check, must carry a federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State; Spanish consulates refuse a state one. And every translation must be made by a traductor jurado appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after the apostille is attached.
At a glance
Why U.S. documents go to Spain
| Purpose | Documents usually apostilled |
|---|---|
| Non-lucrative visa | FBI check (federal), family birth and marriage certificates |
| Digital nomad visa | FBI check, degree, employer letter |
| Marriage in Spain | Birth certificate, single status affidavit; one partner must be resident |
| Property and inheritance | Power of attorney, death certificate, letters testamentary |
Translation
Sworn translation by a traductor jurado appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. U.S. translations are not accepted. Translate after the apostille, so it is translated too. See translation requirements.
Things worth knowing
- FBI checks need a federal apostille and must usually be under six months old.
- Civil registries often want recent certificates, sometimes issued within three months.
- State or federal? A document issued by a state or county, or notarized, is apostilled by that state. One issued by a federal agency, such as an FBI check, by the U.S. Department of State.
How it works
Step 1
Tell us the documents
And what they are for in Spain.
Step 2
We check each one
Certified, notarized where needed, and recent enough.
Step 3
State and federal apostilles
Together, in one order.
Step 4
Back to you
Ready to translate and submit in Spain.
Apostille for Spain: common questions
Does Spain accept apostilles?
Yes. Spain has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 25 September 1978, so a U.S. apostille is all the certification it needs. No embassy step is involved.
Do I need a translation for Spain?
Sworn translation by a traductor jurado appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. U.S. translations are not accepted.
Who apostilles my document?
The state that issued it, or where it was notarized. Federal documents such as an FBI check go to the U.S. Department of State. See apostille by state.
Official sources
Requirements, fees and processing times are set by the authorities below and can change without notice. Verify anything time-critical directly with them.
HCCH Apostille Convention status table
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Related: Visa guides · Marriage abroad · Country checker