Please ensure that documents relating to the notarial services you require from the Australian Embassy are presented in the correct form and that you provide the correct instructions for the notarial service you require. If you are unsure of the legislative requirements relating to the notarial service you require, you should seek independent legal advice. Please note that neither the Australian Government nor the Australian Embassy in Spain guarantees the legal effectiveness of the notarised document or the accuracy of its content. Fees paid for notarial services are non-refundable.
Apostilles
Apostille of The Hague (Apostilla de la Haya)
Australia and Spain are co-signatories to The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents, which allows for the simplification of the formal authentication process for public documents.
The Australian Embassy in Madrid can issue Apostille on original Australian public documents. Please note that the Embassy will take up to 48 hours to issue an Apostille.
Documents presented for an Apostille at the Embassy in Madrid must be originals, unless certified and sealed by an Australian notary public. Authentications or certified copies cannot be issued with an Apostille, except copies of Australian Passports and original Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (PDF).
For further information on whether your document needs to be first certified and sealed by an Australian notary public, or by the issuing authority in Australia, please visit information on the Apostille of The Hague.
This service may be obtained either
- in person at the Embassy. An appointment for this service is essential, you can request an appointment here.
- via mail by sending the original document(s) via registered mail or courier to the Consular Section at this Embassy. You will need to enclose a completed payment authorisation form, please include the appropriate return courier fee to send you your document (s).
If unsure, please send an email and attach your documents in PDF format to [email protected].
Please note a fee will be charged for this service.
Witnessing Signatures on Documents
Australian Embassy consular officers are able to witness signatures on documents.
Witnessing signatures may only be performed in person at the Embassy. An appointment for this service is essential. You will be asked to present the unsigned document and provide original identity documents, such as your passport or driver’s licence.
You can request an appointment here.
Please note a fee will be charged for this service.
Certifying Photocopies of Documents
Australian Embassy consular officers are able to certify photocopies of documents, in either English or Spanish, confirming that the photocopy is a true copy of an original document sighted.
This service may be obtained either
- in person at the Embassy. An appointment for this service is essential and you will need to bring the original document to be photocopied.You can request an appointment here.
- via mail by sending the original document(s) to be certified via registered mail or courier to the Consular Section at this Embassy. Please attach a note to the document(s) indicating you require a certified copy with your full return address, (including postcode) and a mobile telephone number for us to return the original document(s) and certified copy via courier. You will need to enclose the confirmation of payment for both the certified copies and the return courier.
Please note that a fee will be charged for this service.
Affidavits (Affirmations or Oaths)