A Guide to US Notary & Apostille Services for US Citizens Moving to Spain
If you’re a US citizen looking to buy property in Spain, apply for residency, or manage legal affairs, you’ll likely need notarised and apostilled documents. But what does that mean? We spoke with Amber Nicole Hess, a California-based notary and apostille agent, to break it down for you.
What Is a Notary & Why Do You Need One?
A notary verifies the identity of a person signing a document, ensuring they are who they claim to be. However, a notary is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice. In the context of moving to Spain, common documents requiring notarisation include:
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Power of Attorney (to authorise legal representation in Spain)
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Marriage Certificates (for residency applications)
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Death Certificates (for inheritance matters)
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Corporate & Personal Legal Documents
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What Is an Apostille & Why Is It Necessary?
An apostille is an official certification that allows a document to be legally recognised in another country under the Hague Apostille Convention. Think of it as a passport for your documents! Without an apostille, Spanish authorities may not accept US-issued legal papers.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Document Apostilled?
Power of Attorney: Notarisation + apostille in as little as 48 hours
Marriage Certificates & Birth Certificates: Processing times vary by state, but usually within one week
FBI Background Check for Residency: Previously took 6-8 weeks but now around 2-3 weeks
Can You Notarise & Apostille Documents Remotely?
Yes! If you’re in the US but far from a notary, Amber’s network can arrange mobile or remote online notarisation (RON) services in states that allow them. This means even if you’re already in Spain, you can still complete notarisation and apostille processes without traveling.
Why Work with an Experienced Notary & Apostille Agent?
With My Lawyer in Spain and experts like Amber, you can ensure your documents are handled quickly, correctly, and in compliance with Spanish legal requirements. From signing in person to coordinating remote services, everything can be streamlined for your move.
Do you need Help with Legal Documents for Spain?
For professional legal guidance and document processing, contact My Lawyer in Spain:
For notary and apostille services in the US, connect with Amber Nicole Hess
Share this post if you know someone moving to Spain!
Photo by Stephen Goldberg on Unsplash
