Apostille for Chinese documents used in Spain
Apostilla de documentos chinos para usarlos en España
What it is
China joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which entered into force between China and Spain on 7 November 2023. Since then, Chinese public documents covered by the Convention that are to be used in Spain are no longer legalised at consulates: the apostille is enough. In China it is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, on its behalf, also by some provincial and municipal foreign affairs offices; the apostille can be verified online. The Chinese Embassy in Spain stopped consular legalisation from that date. Conversely, Spanish public documents covered by the Convention that are to be used in mainland China only need the Spanish apostille; the Embassy warns that this does not guarantee that the Chinese body receiving them will accept them, and recommends checking its requirements on format, content, time limits and translation beforehand.
Official wording
中国送往西班牙使用的《公约》范围内的公文书将不再办理中方和西班牙驻华使领馆的领事认证，改为办理附加证明书。Official sources
- Where it applies
- All of Spain
Official information
Official sources
When
Since 7 November 2023, public documents from China for use in Spain (and from Spain for China) no longer need consular legalisation: the apostille of the issuing country is enough.
Official wording
2023年11月7日，《公约》将在中国与西班牙间和中国与安道尔间生效实施。Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Chinese documents: apostille in China
The apostille is issued by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or, on its behalf, the foreign affairs offices of several provinces and cities, for documents issued in their territory. It can be verified online.
Official wording
中国外交部是签发附加证明书的主管机关，为本国境内出具的公文书签发附加证明书。
Official sources
Step 2: Spanish documents: apostille in Spain
In Spain it is issued by the Ministry of Justice (and its Gerencias Territoriales), the High Courts of Justice and, for notarial deeds, the Notarial Associations. For electronically signed documents it can be requested online with Cl@ve; in person, by appointment.
Official wording
公证员协会各地区的公证员协会（Colegios de Notarios）只为公证书签发附加证明书。
Official sources
FAQ
Can I apostille my Spanish degree directly?
Usually not: documents such as degrees and academic certificates first need recognition by the Ministry of Education; medical certificates, by the Ministry of Health.
Official wording
其他公文书通常需要经过所属部门认证后方可申请附加证明书。Official sources
With the apostille, is it sure to be accepted?
Not necessarily: the apostille only certifies the signature and seal. Ask the receiving body first about format, deadlines and translation.
Official wording
办妥西班牙、安道尔附加证明书不代表该公文书必然被中国用文单位接受。Official sources
Does the embassy still do legalisations?
No: since 7 November 2023 the embassy and the consulate in Barcelona stopped doing consular legalisation.
Official wording
自11月7日起，我馆将停办领事认证业务。Official sources
Related procedures
Terms used on this page
Spotted something outdated or wrong? Tell us