Navigating the Authentication and Legalization of Canadian Documents for Spain
Obtaining the validation of official Canadian documents for Spain is necessary for a variety of purposes such as applying for a Visa, attending university, immigrating, doing international business, or buying/selling property. It is important to have the right documents with the appropriate official stamps to legally satisfy the requesting authorities in Spain. Most people assume that their documents are valid globally, but that is not the case. Authentication and legalization of documents in Canada is necessary to prevent the use of fraudulent documents.
Understanding the Importance of Validating Canadian Documents for Spain
The process for validation of documents in Spain is called Apostille, while in Canada, it is known as Authentication and Legalization. This process can be confusing, so it is important to have professional assistance. Our authentication and legalization services provide detailed information and support throughout the process.
Legalizing RCMP Police Checks for Spain Visa Applications
One of the most common documents required by clients who are applying for residency in Spain is a Canadian criminal record check. The checks must be issued by the RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa, and if you are outside Canada, you will need to obtain a set of fingerprints to obtain the results quickly. We can help you obtain your RCMP police check for use in Spain from anywhere in the world.
Validating Canadian University Degrees for Use in Spain
Those who wish to continue their education or apply for a job in Spain may need to provide their Canadian degree, and possibly their transcripts. The degree and transcripts must be authenticated at Global Affairs Canada and then legalized at the embassy or consulate nearest to the university. We provide helpful information and services to ensure that your Canadian degree is recognized in Spain.
Using a Canadian Power of Attorney in Spain
For business or personal related activities, estate work, or buying and selling property, a Power of Attorney is often required. The Power of Attorney will usually be in English and Spanish and will require an official signing by a Canadian notary. Additionally, it is necessary to translate the document into English or French, and we can provide translation services to assist you.
In summary, whatever your need is for your Canadian document in Spain, we have the expertise to ensure that it is legally valid and recognized by Spanish authorities. Our services will provide peace of mind and make your international affairs in Spain seamless and stress-free.
Embassy of Spain Legalization FAQ's
Yes, Authentication and Legalization Stamps together are equivalent to an Apostille Stamp in Spain as they both validate documents for international use. Countries that have not signed the Hague Apostille Convention agreement like Canada use Authentication and Legalization Stamps while countries like Spain who have signed the agreement issue an Apostille Certificate.
Spain is one the countries that will only allow you to Legalize a document at the Consulate in Canada closest to where it was issued. In legal terms this is called jurisdictional processing. As an example the Embassy of Spain Consulate in Ottawa will only Authenticate documents that have been issued in the Ottawa-Gatineau Region.
- For documents issued in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario (except Ottawa region), Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut, you need to contact the Consulate General of Spain in Toronto to find out more about the process to legalize your documents
2 Bloor Street East
Suite 1201
Toronto, ON
M4W 1A8
TEL: (416) 977-1661
Fax: (416) 593-4949
E-mail: cog.toronto@maec.es
Web: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/TORONTO/en/Pages/inicio.aspx
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For documents issued in the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Québec (except Gatineau region), and Newfoundland and Labrador, you will need to contact the Consulate General of Spain in Montreal to find out more about the process to legalize your documents:
1200 de Avenue McGill College, Suite 2025
Montreal, Québec
H3B 4G7
TEL: (514) 935-5235
Fax: (514) 935-4655
E-mail: cog.montreal@maec.es
Web: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/montreal/en/Paginas/index.aspx
Yes as many of our clients have documents that contain a language other than English or French, this question comes up often. In most cases, the Embassy or Consulate of Spain will not have an issue although Global Affairs Canada has strict rules about documents that contain foreign languages.
As an example Global Affairs Canada will only authenticate a Power of Attorney that contains Spanish if a notarized translation in English or French has been prepared by a certified Canadian translator. If your Power of Attorney contains a foreign language, simply speak with one of our Global Document Solutions agents. They will be able to assist with the fastest and most economical way to have your foreign language document translated.
Global Document Solutions makes it simple to get started with translation services. All we require is a scan of the original notarized foreign language document for review, as fees are determined on a per word basis. It’s that easy
Our fees for processing your documents vary depending on the amount of documents you need. The Embassy of Spain as well as the Consulates also charge a fee for Legalization which changes each month as it is based on currency exchange rates. For a cost estimate based on your specific needs, use our Quick Quote or call 1-800-336-1132 an Global Document Solutions agent who would be happy to help.
Unfortunately Global Affairs Canada is currently experiencing processing delays with those applying themselves having to wait 35 business days for a response. Using our services we can get you the answers you need today to get started. The Legalization processing time at the Embassy of Spain here in Ottawa, the Spain Consulate Toronto or the Spain Consulate Montreal varies but is typically 2 – 10 business days. For the most current processing times speak with one of our friendly experts at 1-800-336-1132.