FAQ
Frequently asked questions about legalizing consular documents in Spain
Where is a document from a consulate in Spain legalized?
At the Legalization Service of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC or MAEUEC), C/ General Pardiñas 55, Madrid, unless an exemption applies.
Does a consular document get an apostille?
No. Documents issued by diplomatic or consular agents are excluded from the Apostille Convention. They usually follow the legalization route.
Can I legalize a consular document without going to Madrid?
Yes. The Ministry accepts submissions by registered post and by courier, but there are two risks. For postal submissions it states about 15 working days from receipt, and it gives no status updates before then. Also, if the submission does not meet a requirement, the document stays at the Legalization Service in Madrid. You can also have it handled from Barcelona: the document is submitted in person and legalized on the spot.
Do I need an appointment at the Ministry?
For in-person submissions, the Ministry says no appointment is needed. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 14:00, except public holidays, and capacity may be limited from 13:00.
How long does legalization take?
In person, it is done on the spot. By post, the Ministry states about 15 working days from receipt. You are given an estimated timeframe for your case, without a guaranteed exact date.
I posted my document and it has not come back. What can I do?
If the submission did not meet the requirements or the postal service returned it, the Ministry holds it for collection by the applicant, an authorized person or a courier. With your authorization, this service can collect it for you.
Where is a Spanish document apostilled in Barcelona?
It depends on the document. Notarial documents, at the Notaries' Association. Court documents, at the High Court of Justice of Catalonia or the Regional Justice Office. Administrative documents, at either of those or at the Notaries' Association. Official university degrees need signature recognition first.
What if the destination country is not party to the Hague Convention?
Then an apostille is not valid and the document follows the diplomatic legalization route, which usually ends at the destination country's consulate. You are told the steps for your country.
Can a photocopy be legalized?
No. Only originals with a handwritten signature, or certified copies issued by the authority that issued the original, can be legalized.
Can an electronically signed document be legalized?
No. Electronic signatures are not recognized for diplomatic legalization. Ask your consulate whether it can issue the document with a handwritten signature.
Does legalization expire?
It does not expire, but it does not extend the validity of the document either. If the document has a validity period, it still applies.
Is this service part of the consulate or the Ministry?
No. It is a private, independent service with no link to any consulate or public authority.
Is it a law firm or an administrative agency?
No. It is a document management service that acts with your authorization, without legal representation. If your case needs legal advice, you will be referred to a law firm that works with this service.
Do you handle documents from any consulate?
Yes. Documents from consulates of any country in Spain are handled, such as Morocco, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Pakistan, Honduras, China, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic or Peru. Send the country and the name of the certificate.
Which consular documents do not need legalization?
Those issued by consulates of countries that, like Spain, are party to the 1968 London Convention, such as France, Italy, Germany, Portugal or the United Kingdom, unless the receiving authority asks for something else.
General information based on the official page of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Check it for your case, as requirements may change.