Case study 3: legalized certificate of incorporation

Background

In the journey to obtain a digital nomad visa in Spain, one critical requirement stands out: proving that your employer or service provider has been established for at least one year. To validate this, the Large Business Unit mandates the submission of a legalized certificate of incorporation. This certificate must clearly indicate when and where the company was founded. For most countries, this means acquiring an Apostille stamp as per the Hague Convention of 1961. The Apostille must be issued by competent authorities, typically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country.

The Problem

A common pitfall many clients encounter is mistakenly requesting this Apostille from a public notary rather than the appropriate governmental authority. Although engaging a notary might seem like a quick fix, it falls short of meeting the official requirements set by the Large Business Unit. A notary’s signature cannot authenticate the issuance of an official document like a certificate of incorporation.

Pro Tip

Act swiftly to secure the correct Apostille from your country’s designated authority. Most countries now offer online services (e-Apostille) through their government websites, streamlining this process significantly. Remember, you have 10 business days to meet this requirement, with a potential extension of an additional 5 days if needed—totaling 15 business days to obtain and translate your new Apostille.