Apostille for Spain Visa Applications
Moving to Spain? You’ll Likely Need an Apostille First
Whether you’re pursuing a non-lucrative visa, student visa, work visa, family reunification, or Spain Golden Visa, one thing is clear: your supporting documents must be properly authenticated—and that means getting them apostilled.
At Orange County Apostille, we help you prepare your documents for legal use in Spain by streamlining the apostille process for both state-level and federal documents. With fast turnaround times, expert knowledge of document requirements, and translation services available, we make sure your paperwork is complete, compliant, and ready for your visa appointment.
What Is an Apostille and Why Do You Need One for Spain?
An apostille is an international certification issued under the Hague Apostille Convention that verifies the authenticity of a public document. Spain is a member of this treaty, meaning any U.S. document submitted for official use in Spain must have an apostille to be recognized as valid.
For example:
- A birth certificate from California must be apostilled by the California Secretary of State.
- An FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Common Visa Types That Require Apostilled Documents for Spain
- Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa) – Ideal for retirees and remote workers who don’t plan to work in Spain. – Requires:
- FBI background check (federal apostille)
- Birth certificate (state apostille)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of income
- Student Visa – For attending a university or accredited institution in Spain. – Requires:
- Academic transcripts
- Diploma (if applicable)
- Acceptance letter from the Spanish institution
- Birth certificate
- Work Visa – Requires:
- FBI background check
- Degrees and diplomas
- Job offer from a Spanish company
- Spain Golden Visa (Investment Visa) – For real estate or business investors. – Requires:
- Bank statements
- Investment documents
- FBI background check
- Proof of legal marriage (if applying with spouse)
- Family Reunification Visa – Requires:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of relationship
Documents We Frequently Apostille for Spain
| Document Type | Apostille Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | California Secretary of State | Must be a certified copy |
| Marriage Certificate | California Secretary of State | Must be recent copy |
| FBI Background Check | U.S. Department of State | Requires prior federal authentication |
| Diplomas & Transcripts | CA Secretary of State or Notarized | Must be notarized first if not official copies |
| Power of Attorney | Notarized + Apostille | Often used to authorize someone in Spain |
| Medical Certificates | Doctor’s signature must be notarized | Often required for long stays |
| Bank Letters | Must be notarized | Used to verify financial support |
| Divorce Decrees | Certified by court + apostilled | If needed for legal status or custody abroad |
Need to check if your document qualifies? Contact us here.
Our Process: From Start to Apostille to Spain
Step 1: Document Review
We evaluate your documents for eligibility. Not sure what you need? We’ll help guide you based on your visa type.
Step 2: Notarization (if required)
We notarize documents like affidavits, POAs, or letters of financial support as needed.
Step 3: Apostille Process
We obtain the apostille from the California Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State, depending on your document type.
Step 4: Certified Translation (optional)
If required by the consulate, we provide certified Spanish translations that comply with embassy standards.
Step 5: Delivery
We return your completed apostilled documents with optional shipping directly to your consulate, immigration attorney, or international address.
How Long Does It Take?
- California Apostilles: 1–3 business days with expedited service
- Federal Apostilles: 7–15 business days, depending on processing times in Washington, D.C.
- Translations: 1–2 business days (varies by document)
Need it faster? Ask about rush processing.
We Handle Everything — So You Don’t Have To
Navigating Spain’s visa requirements can be overwhelming. At Orange County Apostille, we eliminate the confusion by offering:
- ✅ In-person and mail-in options
- ✅ Spanish translations for consular use
- ✅ Real-time updates and tracking
- ✅ Personalized customer service
- ✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Related Government Resources & Consulates
- Spanish Consulate Los Angeles – Visa Requirements
- U.S. Department of State – Apostille Services
- FBI Background Check Request
- California Secretary of State – Apostille Requests
Contact Us Today – We’re Ready to Help
If you’re preparing for a move to Spain and need help with document authentication, our team is here to simplify the process. From start to finish, we’ll make sure your documents are apostilled properly—and accepted by the Spanish consulate or immigration authority.
📞 Call or Text: 818-606-7442
📍 Office: 17875 Von Karman Ave, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92614
🌐 Visit OrangeCountyApostille.org