In person, no appointment
Legalized on the spot
C/ General Pardiñas 55, Madrid. Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 14:00.
Main service
How to legalize a consular document at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
If a consulate in Spain has issued you a certificate to use here, it usually has to be legalized (also spelled legalised) at the Legalization Service in Madrid. Legalizaciones & Apostillas checks it and handles it from Barcelona.
What legalizing a consular document means
Legalization confirms that the signature is genuine, the capacity of the person who signed and, where relevant, the stamp on the document. It does not validate the content.
Why doesn't a consular document get an apostille?
Because the Hague Convention (art. 1) excludes documents issued by diplomatic or consular agents. A document from a foreign consulate in Spain only takes effect here once it has been legalized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, unless an exemption applies, such as the 1968 London Convention.
Requirements checked first
- It is the original document. Photocopies are not legalized.
- It has a handwritten signature and the signatory's name and position. Electronically signed documents are not legalized.
- If it is not in Spanish, it comes with its official translation, also signed by hand.
- It is not laminated, altered or damaged.
- It is within the validity period required by the Spanish authority where you will present it.
The Legalization Service must also have the signatory's signature on record. This cannot always be confirmed before submission.
How to legalize your document from Barcelona, step by step
- You send a WhatsApp message saying what document you have and where you will present it.
- The original is checked and you are told if anything is missing.
- You receive the price and an estimated timeframe in writing.
- With your authorization, Legalizaciones & Apostillas handles the submission to the Legalization Service.
- You are notified when it is ready to collect or be sent to you.
Where and how to submit it to the Legalization Service
The Ministry publishes three submission options. Legalizaciones & Apostillas submits documents in person every Tuesday, the only option where they are legalized on the spot. Did you send your document by post and it has not come back? It can be collected from the Ministry with your authorization.
Registered post
About 15 working days
With the application form completed electronically and a Correos PREMIUM return envelope with your name and address.
Courier
No specific timeframe published
Delivery at the Príncipe de Vergara 50‑52 entrance, Madrid.
How much does Ministry legalization cost?
Legalization by the Ministry is free. The fee for this service covers the document check, the handling and the trip to Madrid, and is confirmed in writing before starting.
How long does Ministry legalization take?
In person, the Ministry legalizes on the spot. Since documents are submitted every Tuesday, the timeframe depends mainly on the day you hand yours in. If you have a deadline, mention it in your first message.