The Hague Apostille is a formality that certifies the authenticity of a signature, the capacity in which the signer acted and, where applicable, the identity of a seal or stamp on a public document. It does not confirm that the document’s content is true and does not replace translation.
Apostille and translation solve different questions
The apostille concerns formal authenticity. A sworn translation transfers the content into another language and certifies the translation’s faithfulness. When both are required, the apostille is usually obtained first so that its text can be translated as part of the set.
Not every document is apostilled
First determine whether the issuing and destination countries apply the Convention to that category of document. A different convention or exemption may also apply. Within the EU, Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 removes the apostille requirement for specified categories of public documents exchanged between Member States.
Some private documents must first receive a public certification, while certain documents fall outside the Convention. The document’s title alone is not enough to decide.
A practical order for checking
- Identify the issuing country and authority.
- Read the instructions of the Spanish body that will receive it.
- Check whether apostille, consular legalization or an exemption applies.
- Obtain the necessary formality before translating the complete set.
What a translation company should not promise
A photograph may show that an apostille is already present, but it does not always establish whether it was legally required or whether the document will be accepted. That confirmation belongs to the receiving authority or a professional familiar with the file.