Apostille on a Russian degree for Spain: how to get it remotely

An apostille on a Russian degree is affixed by a regional education authority, not by Rosobrnadzor and not by the university. Since 1 September 2024, the authority of any region accepts the application, wherever the university is located. You can apply through Gosuslugi, the apostille register’s personal account, in person or by post. It takes 5 working days, or up to 25 if the university has to be queried; the fee is RUB 2,500 per document.

From Spain you file the application online yourself, and a representative in Russia takes the original diploma to the authority and back. For Spanish authorities a paper stamp on the original is safer: Spain recognises the electronic apostille, but the register its QR code points to is hard to reach from Spain.

Who apostilles a degree

Apostilles on education documents are affixed by the regional executive body responsible for education, usually a regional ministry or department of education. Rosobrnadzor does not affix apostilles: it keeps the federal register of apostilles (Rosobrnadzor).

• Any region. Since 1 September 2024 applications are accepted «regardless of the applicant’s place of residence and the location of the organisation» that issued the diploma (point 9 of the Rules, Resolution No. 1890). A Moscow resident with a degree from a Novosibirsk university can apply in Moscow.
• Which degrees. Those issued in the Russian Federation and in the RSFSR, including Soviet-style diplomas (point 1). A diploma issued in another Soviet republic does not fall under this rule.
• University closed or renamed. The authority queries the legal successor or an archive. If there is no reply or no signature sample, the apostille is refused (points 12 and 21), so with a degree from a closed university start early.
• The transcript of grades. Homologation needs it too. The apostille goes on the document or on a separate sheet attached to it (point 2).

How to apply

There are four routes (point 8 of the Rules):

1. Gosuslugi. You choose the result: «register extract and apostille stamp» or «register extract» only. For Spain, choose the option with the stamp. The diploma scan is attached as one file together with the transcript. The original is brought to the authority after the decision, and the stamp is affixed within 5 working days.
2. The apostille register’s personal account (FIS FBDA), which also works when Gosuslugi is unavailable.
3. In person at the education authority, yourself or through a representative.
4. By post with an inventory and acknowledgement of receipt.

Filing through Gosuslugi was suspended from 31 August to 14 September 2026; the Novosibirsk region’s education ministry advised filing through the apostille register’s account with a fee receipt (notice). Whether filing through Gosuslugi has resumed could not be confirmed at the time of checking, so check the service status before applying.

Timelines and fee

The fee is RUB 2,500 «per document» (Article 333.33 of the Russian Tax Code). Whether it is charged separately for the transcript depends on the region: the Leningrad region, for example, charges RUB 2,500 for a diploma together with its transcript. On Gosuslugi the fee can only be paid online.

Electronic apostille or a stamp on the original

After the decision, an electronic apostille with a QR code is created in the register, and the applicant receives an extract about it. Spain recognises an electronic apostille if its QR code works (Spanish Ministry of Universities).

The problem lies elsewhere: Rosobrnadzor’s apostille register is hard to reach from Spain. UGE already sends requests for documents about Ministry of Justice apostilles whose QR codes do not open; how to answer them is covered in the article on the apostille on an EGRUL and EGRIP extract. So for Spain a paper stamp on the original is safer, with the electronic apostille extract kept as a supplement.

How to do it all while in Spain

• The application via Gosuslugi or the register account is filed by the diploma holder personally, from any country.
• The original is taken to the education authority and back by a representative in Russia. The document can also be returned by post.
• Power of attorney. The representative acts under a power of attorney executed under Russian law. It can be drawn up at the consular section of the Russian Embassy in Madrid or at the Consulate General in Barcelona; check in advance which form the particular authority will accept.
• If you apply by post, not every copy needs a notary, only certain ones: a document on a change of name issued abroad and copies of foreigners’ identity documents (point 7 of the Rules). When you apply through Gosuslugi or the apostille register, copies are not notarised.

What happens next in Spain

A sworn translator translates the apostilled diploma into Spanish, apostille included (translation requirements). For homologation an official translator from an EU country or a translation with the translator’s signature legalised is also accepted; how to find a sworn translator is covered in the article on sworn translation.

• A notarised copy does not replace the original. For homologation a notarised copy is not accepted as proof that the diploma is genuine, so the «notarised copy plus a Ministry of Justice apostille» route certifies the notary’s signature, not the university’s.
• Homologation. Documents are filed with an apostille and an official translation (Article 13 of RD 889/2022); who needs it and how long it takes is covered in the article on degree homologation.
• Digital nomad permit. Qualification is shown by a degree or three years of experience; the procedure is in the digital nomad visa guide.

Common mistakes

• Going to the university or to Rosobrnadzor for the apostille: it is affixed by the regional education authority.
• Choosing «register extract» only on Gosuslugi, without the stamp on the original.
• Apostilling the diploma without the transcript of grades, although homologation needs it too.
• Putting a Ministry of Justice apostille on a notarised copy instead of an apostille on the original.
• Translating the diploma without the apostille: the apostille is translated together with the document.

Read next

Moving from Cyprus to Spain in 2026: residence, taxes and capital

21.09.2026

Frequently asked questions

Who apostilles a Russian degree?

A regional education authority. Rosobrnadzor does not affix apostilles; it keeps the register of apostilles. The university does not affix them either.

Can the apostille be affixed in a region other than where the diploma was issued?

Yes. Since 1 September 2024 the authority of any region accepts the application, regardless of where the university is located or where the applicant lives.

How much does an apostille on a degree cost and how long does it take?

The fee is RUB 2,500 per document. It takes 5 working days, or up to 25 working days if the authority needs to query the university.

Can I get an apostille on my degree while in Spain?

Yes: you file online through Gosuslugi or the apostille register’s account, and a representative in Russia takes the original to the authority and back under a power of attorney.

Will Spain accept an electronic apostille on a degree?

The Ministry of Universities recognises an electronic apostille with a working QR code, but the register is hard to reach from Spain. A paper stamp on the original is safer.

Does the diploma transcript need an apostille?

For homologation, yes: the transcript of grades is needed too. Whether a separate fee is charged for it depends on the region.

Sources

• Russian Government Resolution No. 1890 of 10.11.2023, as amended 26.11.2025: points 1, 2, 7–9, 12, 14, 17, 21; Russian Tax Code, Article 333.33
• Rosobrnadzor: confirmation of education documents; Novosibirsk region education ministry: Gosuslugi suspension
• RD 889/2022, Article 13; Spanish Ministry of Universities: legalisation; translation