Requirement Overview
For family members accompanying the main applicant under the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 28/2022), the "Apostille" is a critical step to verify the authenticity of documents Issued by foreign authorities. Under the framework provided by the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, all public documents proving family ties must be properly legalized to be valid in Spain.
Why it is Needed
To ensure that public documents (such as marriage or birth certificates) are recognized internationally, Spain requires the Hague Apostille or relevant legalization. This process confirms the signature and authority of the foreign official who issued the document. Without this, the Spanish administration cannot process the residency application for dependants.
Required Documents
The following evidence typically requires an Apostille for the DNV family member profile:
- Marriage Certificates: To prove the legal relationship with the main applicant.
- Birth Certificates: For minor children or dependent adult children.
- Criminal Record Certificates: Required for all applicants of legal age according to the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores guidelines.
Apostille and Translation Requirements
- Apostille: Mandatory for documents issued outside of Spain (unless a specific treaty between countries waives the requirement).
- Sworn Translation: Once the document is apostilled, it must be translated into Spanish by a translator recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Traductor Jurado).
Common Pitfalls
- Incorrect Order: The translation must be done after the Apostille is attached, as the Apostille stamp itself often needs to be translated.
- Expiry Dates: Criminal record checks often have short validity periods (e.g., 3-6 months). Ensure the Apostille is obtained and the application submitted while the document is still considered valid.
- Notarization vs. Apostille: A simple notary stamp is not sufficient; the document must obtain the specific international Apostille from the designated authority in the country of origin.