Authentication of documents process - Embassy of Canada in Madrid

On this page

• Canadian documents for use in Spain
• Canadian documents for use in Andorra
• Canadian consular documents for use in Spain
• Spanish documents for use in Canada

Canadian documents for use in Spain

Step 1

Have the signature on the documents authenticated by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). 

No fees are charged for this process.

Review Forwarding your authenticated document to a foreign mission if you would like to request this service.

Step 2

Have the signature of the GAC official authenticated by the Spanish consular service in Canada:

• By the Embassy of Spain in Ottawa only if the documents were issued in Ottawa or Gatineau.
• By the Consulate General of Spain in Toronto if the documents were issued in Ontario (except Ottawa), Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut.
• By the Consulate General of Spain in Montreal if the documents were issued in Quebec (except Gatineau), New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland.
  
  

Fees are applicable for this process. See Authentication of Canadian documents (PDF).

These fees are subject to change without notice and all questions regarding these fees must be addressed directly to the corresponding Embassy or Consulate of Spain in Canada.

Canadian documents for use in Andorra

Step 1

Send the original document to the Embassy of Canada in Madrid to have the signature of the issuing authority authenticated.

Embassy of Canada
Paseo de la Castellana, 259D
28046 Madrid, Spain
Attn: Consular Section

Fees apply. Consult the “Payment method” section.

Include a letter indicating your name, mailing address and telephone number.

For authentication in person, make an appointment online.

Step 2

The document must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Andorra. It may need to be translated by an official translator in Andorra.

Canadian consular documents for use in Spain

Most Spanish authorities require documents issued by the Embassy or Consulates of Canada in Spain be duly authenticated. Check with the authority receiving your documents to see if this requirement is necessary. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Madrid can authenticate Canadian consular documents:

• By appointment – Be sure to print the “cita previa” confirmation receipt indicating your reference number and bring it to the appointment.
• By registered mail to
  • Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación (MAEUEC)
    Sección de Legalizaciones
    Calle General Pardiñas, 55 (corner with Padilla)
    28006 Madrid
  • include a letter with your name, telephone number and a pre-paid pre-addressed “Postal Expres” envelope for the return shipping.
• By hiring the services of a “gestor” - An official “gestor” may authenticate your document(s) with the MAEUEC on your behalf.

Spanish documents for use in Canada

Authentication is not a common practice in Canada. The requirement to authenticate a document is determined by the authority to which the document is being submitted. Contact the Canadian authority directly to see if authentication is required.

Note: Only an original document bearing the signature of the competent authority may be authenticated.

The norms established by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the authentication of official documents issued in Spain to be used abroad are:

Birth/marriage/death certificates, certificate of “solteria”, criminal record check and notarial documents that have already been stamped by the Colegio de Notarios

Step 1

Ministerio de Justicia
Plaza Jacinto Benavente, 3
28012 Madrid

University degrees

Step 1

Ministerio de Educación
Paseo de la Castellana, 162
28046 Madrid

For other types of educational documents, consult Legalization and apostille.

Step 2

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación (MAEUEC)
Sección de Legalizaciones
Calle General Pardiñas, 55 (corner with Padilla)
28006 Madrid

Step 3

The consular services of the Embassy of Canada in Madrid:

Embassy of Canada
Paseo de la Castellana, 259D
28046 Madrid

For authentication in person, make an appointment online.

Documents must be written in English or French, or accompanied by a sworn translation to English or French.

Fees apply. Consult the “Payment method” section.

To request this service by mail, send the following to the address indicated above:

• the original document
• sworn translation (if necessary)
• your mailing address
• your telephone number
• a completed and signed Credit Card Payment Authorization form