Do You Need an Affidavit, Notarisation or Certification of a Legal Document?

Whether you’re buying property abroad, getting married outside of Spain, applying for dual citizenship, or managing international inheritance matters—there’s a high chance you’ll be asked for certified documents, notarised statements, or even an affidavit.

And if you’re not familiar with the Spanish legal system, these seemingly small procedures can turn into frustrating bureaucratic detours.

At Málaga Solicitors, we help simplify that process.

What are these Documents—and why are they important?

Let’s clarify a few terms:

• Affidavit: A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court or for administrative purposes.
  
• Notarisation: A legal process where a notary public certifies the authenticity of a signature, document, or transaction.
  
• Certification: This confirms that a copy of a document (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.) is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.

These documents are often required by foreign authorities, including courts, immigration offices, universities, banks, and consulates. Without proper notarisation or certification, your paperwork may be rejected—or worse, delayed indefinitely.

When might you need these services?

Here are just a few common situations where notarised or certified documents are essential (although there are many more):

• Applying for residency or visas abroad
  
• Managing international property transactions
  
• Submitting documents for inheritance proceedings in other countries
  
• Enrolling in educational institutions overseas
  
• Getting married outside of Spain
  
• Proving your identity or marital status for legal or financial matters

While it’s technically possible to handle some of these steps yourself, there are risks in going solo. Mistakes in wording, incorrect translations, or improper procedures can lead to costly setbacks.

At Málaga Solicitors:

• We help you understand exactly what’s required in your specific case.
  
• We liaise with notaries, courts, and public officials on your behalf.
  
• We ensure that documents meet international legal standards (including for the Hague Apostille where needed).
  
• And most importantly—we save you time, stress, and uncertainty.

If you’ve been asked to provide an affidavit or a certified legal document for use abroad, don’t leave it to guesswork. These are small but critical steps that can have major consequences if not handled properly.

We’re here to make the process smooth, secure, and compliant from start to finish.

📩 Need assistance? Contact our legal team at mail@malagasolicitors.com and we’ll guide you every step of the way.