How to Apostille a Criminal Record Check for Spain?

Do you wish to know “How to apostille a criminal record check for Spain?” With Canada joining the Hague Convention in January 2024, the process of apostilling RCMP criminal record checks to be used in Spain has become easier. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get an apostille in Canada for your RCMP criminal record check 
 

Royal Canadian Mounted Police or RCMP issues an official document called the RCMP criminal record check. It remains useful for several purposes like immigration, employment, and legal matters. To use this document in Spain, you need to get it apostilled for legal recognition. 
 

An apostille refers to an official certificate that authenticates public documents to be original and valid. Users can use documents with an apostille in the member countries of The Hague Convention. Since Canada is also a member country of The Hague Convention, you can apostille an RCMP criminal record check easily. 
 

Step 1: Get Your RCMP Criminal Record Check
To begin with, obtain your RCMP criminal record check by following the steps mentioned below:

1. Request a Criminal Record Check: Request a criminal record check from an accredited fingerprinting agency. 
2. Fingerprinting: With the help of the agency, submit your fingerprints to the RCMP electronically. The RCMP uses these to validate your identity for conducting the background check.
3. Receive the Results: The RCMP sends you the criminal record check certificate after processing is over.
    

Step 2: Get Your Document Ready for Apostille
After receiving your RCMP criminal record check, prepare it for the apostille process:

1. Verify Document Certification: Check if the document carries certification by the RCMP which is mandatory for apostille. 
2. Photocopy (Optional): Keep a photocopy of the original document with you for future reference. 

Step 3: Document Submission for Apostille
Once your document is ready, follow the steps mentioned below to get the apostille:

1. Select a Designated Authority: Look for the Canadian authority authorized to issue apostilles. This could be a specific department or a government office designated to handle apostilles. As the RCMP check is a federal document, it can receive an apostille from Global Affairs Canada.
2. Document Submission: Submit the original RCMP criminal record check to the designated authority. Filling out an application form and paying a fee for the service might remain necessary.
3. Wait for Processing: The designated authority will issue an apostille certificate after processing your request. The document will carry the apostille certificate which will validate its authenticity. 
    

Step 4: Your Apostilled Document Is Ready to Be Used in Spain
Once your document receives an Apostille, you can use your RCMP criminal record check in Spain. Show this document to the Spanish authorities whenever necessary. The apostille makes your document legally recognized and accepted.