Get your Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales (Policía Nacional) apostilled by the SNR and certified-translated for Spain visas, residency, and the 2026 regularización. 100% remote — free consultation.
⏰ Act now — deadline approaching
This criminal record document is required. Colombia applicants need approximately 1 week for the full process. Start today to avoid missing the deadline.
Step 1 of 4
What format of Colombian criminal record does Spain require for you?
Spain is a member of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, and Colombia joined the Convention in 1997. This means your Colombian criminal record certificate does not need consular legalization — only an apostille issued by the Superintendencia de Notariado y Registro (SNR).
For visa and residency applications — non-lucrative, digital nomad, golden visa, work permit, family reunification, or the 2026 extraordinary regularization — Spanish authorities require:
We coordinate all three steps in a single service — no need to navigate the Policía Nacional portal, the SNR, and a translator independently.
Applying for a non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa, or long-term residency in Spain? Spanish consulates require your Colombian Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales apostilled by the SNR and certified-translated. We handle everything remotely.
Spain's 2026 extraordinary regularization requires a criminal record certificate with apostille from every country you have resided in during the last 5 years. Colombian nationals must present the Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales apostilled by the SNR.
Whether joining family or starting a new career in Spain, Colombian law requires a clean Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales apostilled and certified-translated for your Spanish visa. Our fully remote service handles every step from anywhere in Colombia.
The clock starts on the issuance date — not the apostille date, not the translation date.
⚡ Pro tip: Submit to Extranjería as soon as the full document package is ready — do not wait until near day 90.
⚠️ Warning: Many applicants lose months of work because the certificate expires while waiting for apostille or translation. Start early.
| Document | Issuing authority | Estimated time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales | Policía Nacional de Colombia (web portal) | Immediate to same day (online) | Available 24/7 via the Policía Nacional online portal. The digital certificate is accepted; a physical copy may be required by some Spanish consulates. Valid for most visa types issued within the last 90 days. |
| Apostille of the certificate | Superintendencia de Notariado y Registro (SNR) | 3–5 business days (standard) | Colombia is a Hague Convention member (since 1997). The SNR is the competent authority for apostilling most Colombian public documents, including police certificates. Apostille available in person or via notary. |
| Certified Spanish translation | Sworn / certified translator recognized in Spain | 1–2 business days after apostille | Although the Colombian certificate is in Spanish, Spain requires a certified translation by a translator with credentials accepted in Spain (perito traductor). Colombian translations are not accepted. |
| Copy of valid Colombian passport (or cédula + passport) | Applicant | Current | The name on the certificate must match your passport exactly, including any second surnames. |
Request online — select "fines migratorios" and download the international version.
Submit the certificate to the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancillería) for apostille.
Although the certificate is in Spanish, Spain requires a sworn MAEC-recognized translator.
The 90-day window starts from the certificate issuance date in Step 1.
⚠️ Remember: the 90-day clock starts from Step 1 issuance date — not when you submit to Spain.
Share your Spain visa or residency type and timeline with us. We confirm the exact certificate format Spain requires, whether a physical or digital copy is acceptable, and provide a firm price and timeline quote.
We assist you in downloading or ordering the official certificate from the Policía Nacional de Colombia portal. The digital version is available immediately; if a physical original is needed, we coordinate the request.
We submit the certificate to the SNR for apostille — either through an in-person appointment at a SNR office or through a certified public notary authorized to process apostilles. We track every step and notify you of the result.
The apostilled certificate is translated by a certified translator recognized in Spain, then delivered to you by express international courier — ready to submit to your Spanish consulate or immigration office.
We review your documents before submission to catch every one of these errors before they cause a rejection.
Colombian citizen applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa to live in Spain with savings.
Has been living irregularly in Spain and needs criminal records from Colombia for regularización.
Two Colombian adults applying for family reunification with a Spanish resident.
Information on this page is based on procedures from recognized government and intergovernmental bodies — not third-party estimates.
Reviewed by
Laura ChenLegal Document Expert
Specialist in documents for the English-speaking market with a focus on fast and secure processing.
Yes. The Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales issued by Colombia's Policía Nacional is the certificate accepted by Spanish consulates and immigration offices — provided it carries an apostille from the Superintendencia de Notariado y Registro (SNR) and a certified translation from a translator recognized in Spain.
Generally yes, but some Spanish consulates specifically require a physical original rather than a printed digital certificate. We confirm the format requirement for your specific consulate before you start — so you don't have to request the wrong version.
The Superintendencia de Notariado y Registro (SNR) is Colombia's competent authority under the Hague Convention for apostilling public documents, including criminal record certificates from the Policía Nacional. We coordinate the submission on your behalf.
Yes. Even though the Colombian certificate is in Spanish, Spain requires a certified translation (traducción jurada) by a sworn translator with credentials recognized in Spain. A Colombian translator's version does not meet this requirement — the translator must be authorized by Spanish courts or consulates.
Standard timeline is 5–10 business days: certificate request (same day or 1 day) + SNR apostille (3–5 days) + certified translation (1–2 days). Total time depends on whether you need a physical original or if the digital certificate is accepted.
Yes. The Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales is available online from the Policía Nacional portal. SNR apostilles can be processed remotely via authorized notaries. Our service is 100% remote — you don't need to visit any government office in person.
Most Spanish consulates require the certificate to have been issued within the last 90 days of your application date. Some consulates accept up to 6 months. We coordinate timing with your application deadline to ensure the certificate is within validity.
If you hold dual nationality, the certificate must be requested using the identification document corresponding to your Colombian identity. The name and ID number must match your Colombian documentation exactly. Contact us to confirm the correct approach for your case.
Message us today for a free document review and guidance.