APOSTILLE and LEGALISATION
of documents
quickly and safely
APOSTILLA y LEGALIZACIÓN
de documentos
de forma rápida y segura
We manage your national and international legal procedures
We take care of the entire process so that your documents are valid both inside and outside the country. From the apostille to consular legalisation, we guarantee a fast, secure and hassle-free procedure.
Fast procedures
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We know that time is a crucial factor when you need to submit a document abroad. That is why our service is designed to accelerate each procedure as much as possible, avoiding unnecessary delays and ensuring that your documentation is ready in the shortest time possible. We take care of the bureaucratic steps so that you only have to worry about receiving your validated document.
Internationally recognised
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The validity of your documents abroad depends on a correct apostille or legalisation process. We work under the standards of the Hague Convention and, in the case of countries that are not part of it, we manage the corresponding consular legalisation. In this way, we guarantee that your documents have legal recognition in the destination country.
Personalised advice
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Each procedure is different depending on the type of document and the country where it will be used. That is why we offer personalised support from the outset. We advise you on the specific requirements, the necessary steps and the estimated timeframes so that you have a clear overview of the process and can trust that your paperwork is in expert hands.
what is an apostille and legalisation?
The Hague Apostille is a stamp that certifies the authenticity of a document so that it is valid in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
When the destination country does not belong to the Convention, the necessary procedure is consular legalisation, which is carried out at the corresponding consulate after validation by the national authorities.
SOME EXAMPLES OF WHEN YOU MAY NEED IT
01
Working abroad
You need to apostille your university degree so that it is recognised in the country where you want to practise.
02
Getting married outside your country
You must apostille your birth certificate to present it at the civil registry of the destination country.
03
Applying for citizenship
In a country that is not part of the Hague Convention, your birth certificate must be consular legalised.
04
Starting a business in another country
You may be asked to apostille powers of attorney or contracts so that they are legally valid internationally.
Documents that can be apostilled
Civil documents
These include certificates issued by the civil registration office, such as birth, marriage, or death certificates. They are essential for nationality procedures, marriage abroad, or international inheritance.
Academic documents
These include university degrees, diplomas, transcripts, and study certificates. These are often required when a person wishes to work, have their studies recognised or continue their education in another country.
Judicial documents
Such as final sentences, court rulings or criminal record certificates. These are used, for example, in international adoption processes or to prove a person’s legal status in another country.
Notarised and private documents
These include powers of attorney, contracts or notarised deeds, which must be validated to have legal effect abroad, whether in commercial transactions, starting a business or personal matters.
How the process works (step by step)
01
SENDING DOCUMENTS
Scanned or physical, depending on the procedure
02
REVIEW AND CONSULTANCY
We verify requirements and destination country
03
OFFICIAL PROCESSING
We carry out the procedure through the competent authority
04
SECURE DELIVERY
You receive the apostilled or legalised document
FAQs
What is the difference between an apostille and consular legalisation?
An apostille is a stamp that validates a document so that it is recognised in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. Consular legalisation is used when the destination country is not part of this convention and requires validation through its consulate.
What documents can be apostilled or legalised?
The most common are: birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic qualifications, diplomas, criminal records, court rulings, powers of attorney and private contracts.
Where are documents apostilled?
Apostilles are processed by the competent authorities in each country. In Spain, for example, they can be obtained from the Ministry of Justice, high courts of justice or notaries, depending on the type of document.
How long does the process take?
The time varies depending on the document and the institution, but normally the apostille takes between 2 and 5 working days, while consular legalisation can take 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the consulate.
Is it necessary to present the original document?
Yes, in most cases it is necessary to present the original document. For some procedures, a certified or notarised copy may be enough, but it will always depend on the destination country and the type of document.
Is the apostille valid for all countries?
No. It is only valid in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. If the country is not a member, consular legalisation will be required.
How long is an apostille valid for?
An apostille does not expire; however, some documents that are apostilled (such as birth certificates or criminal records) do have a limited validity due to their nature.
Can I apostille documents issued in another country?
No, documents must be apostilled in the country in which they were issued. For example, an Argentine university degree can only be apostilled in Argentina.
Can I complete the process if I am not in my country of origin?
Yes. There are authorised agents (such as ourselves) who can complete the process on your behalf by means of a power of attorney or the presentation of properly authorised documents.
How much does it cost to apostille or legalise a document?
The price depends on the type of document, the number of documents and the destination country. Apostilles usually have a fixed cost per document, while consular legalisation may involve additional fees depending on the consulate.
Contact us
Send us your message
We inform you that the data you provide us with through this form will be processed by the person responsible for Apostilla y Legaliza in order to manage your request for information on the basis of your consent. We also inform you that your data will not be disclosed to third parties unless legally required. You may exercise your rights of access, rectification, removal, opposition, limitation and, where applicable, portability by contacting our Data Protection Officer at the email address info@apostillaylegaliza.com. You may also file a complaint with the AEPD (www.aepd.es). For more information, please see our privacy policy.
