Apostille & Legalization Assistance for Americans & Britons
Spanish authorities won't accept a US or UK document at face value — it needs an apostille first. Here's what that means, which documents typically need one, and how the process differs slightly between the US and the UK.
We identify exactly which documents need apostilling for your case, coordinate the request with the correct US or UK authority, and arrange certified sworn translation into Spanish.
What an apostille is and who needs one
Both the United States and the United Kingdom are parties to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, as is Spain. This means a document issued in the US or UK can be authenticated with a single certificate — the apostille — that Spanish authorities are legally required to recognize without further legalization through an embassy. Without it, a foreign public document generally will not be accepted for official use in Spain.
Common documents that need an apostille for use in Spain include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, FBI or ACRO criminal record checks, university diplomas and transcripts, corporate documents (articles of incorporation, powers of attorney), and death certificates.
Eligibility and where to request it
United States
Where you request the apostille depends on which authority issued the original document. State-issued documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, state court documents) are apostilled by that state's Secretary of State office. Federal documents (FBI background checks, documents from federal courts) are apostilled by the US Department of State's Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.
United Kingdom
UK documents are apostilled centrally by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office, regardless of which part of the UK issued the underlying document.
After apostille, most documents also require a certified Spanish translation by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they can be used in Spanish procedures.
Required documents
- Original document or certified copy (photocopies are generally not accepted)
- Completed apostille request form for the relevant authority (e.g., DS-4194 for US federal documents)
- Payment of the applicable government apostille fee
- Sworn Spanish translation, arranged separately, once the apostille is affixed
Timeline & fees
| Item | Typical cost/time | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| US federal apostille (Dept. of State) | $20 per document; direct mail processing can take several weeks | US Department of State (official government fee) |
| US state-level apostille | Fee and turnaround vary by state, often $10–$25 per document | Relevant Secretary of State office |
| UK apostille (FCDO) | Around £45 per document for standard postal service | FCDO (official government fee) |
| Sworn Spanish translation | Priced per page/word, varies by translator | Certified sworn translator |
| Spain Relocation service fee | Quoted per case after a free consultation | Spain Relocation (our consulting and coordination fee) |
What we help with
We help clients identify exactly which documents need apostilling for their specific application, whether for an NIE by proxy, a property purchase, or a Criminal Record Certificate, coordinate the apostille request with the correct US or UK authority, and arrange certified sworn translation into Spanish. This is often one of the first practical steps for clients pursuing a Family Reunification or Company Registration case, both of which typically require several apostilled documents.
FAQ
Do I need an apostille if my document is already translated into Spanish?
Yes — translation and apostille serve different purposes. The apostille authenticates the origin of the original document; the translation makes its content understandable to Spanish authorities. Both are usually required, and the apostille should generally be obtained before translation.
USWhere does a US citizen get an apostille for an FBI background check?
FBI background checks are federal documents, so they must be apostilled by the US Department of State's Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. — not by any state Secretary of State office, which only handles state-issued documents.
UKHow does a UK citizen apostille an ACRO police certificate?
UK documents, including an ACRO police certificate, are apostilled by the FCDO Legalisation Office. Only the original physical certificate with a wet signature can be apostilled — a digital PDF version is generally not accepted for this purpose.
How long does the apostille process take?
It varies significantly by authority and method. US Department of State mail-in processing can take several weeks; some Secretary of State offices offer faster in-person or expedited service. UK FCDO postal processing typically takes about two weeks, with faster premium options available.
Can Spain Relocation request the apostille on my behalf?
We help you prepare the correct forms and documents and coordinate with the relevant US or UK authority or an authorized courier/agent service on your behalf. The apostille itself is always issued directly by that government authority, never by us.
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Apostille requirements and fees change periodically and vary by document type and issuing authority — we recommend a personal consultation to confirm current requirements.
Not sure which documents need an apostille?
We'll review your situation and map out exactly which US or UK documents need authentication before they'll be accepted in Spain.
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