Residency – How to order copies of UK Birth and Marriage Certificates

Birth certifcate

Residency – How to order copies of UK Birth and Marriage Certificates

VERY IMPORTANT:
BE SURE TO ORDER COPIES OF YOUR LONG FORM BIRTH CERTIFICATE, AS SPANISH AUTHORITIES NEED TO SEE PARENTS’ NAMES.

If your visa or residency application involves children or spouses as beneficiaries, then you’ll need official copies of the Birth and/or Marriage Certificates, duly translated. These documents are essential proof of the relationship between applicants and the Immigration Department need them to be dated within 3 months of your application.

If your surname has changed from your original NIE or residency card this will need documentary proof too, for example Marriage Certificate or Decree Absolute if you’ve reverted to your maiden name after divorce.

Ordering duplicate Certificates from UK General Register Office (GRO)
It’s actually relatively straightforward to place an order for your Certificates and to start the process, visit this page on the UK Government website

There’s a link that will take you to the General Register Office, where you set up an account, request the documents you need and pay the relevant fees online. The documents will be sent to the address you enter during this registration process.

Do these Certificates need to have an Apostille Stamp?
As the UK is no longer a member of the European Union (EU), then an Apostille stamp WILL be needed for any official documents and certificates issued in the UK.
The UK Government has a legalisation service or there are many private companies offering fast turnaround certifications too.

If the Certificate was issued in the EU, then no Apostille is needed, according to European law. You can also order a Multi Language standard form (MLS) which means the Certificate will be issued in several languages (including Spanish) therefore saving on translation costs. Certificates issued in the UK are not available in the MLS format.

Any questions?
If you need any help or advice about applying for Spanish residency, please Book a Call for a no-obligation chat and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.