How to Request a Business Certificate of Good Standing from the United States
A certificate of good Standing (sometimes called certificate of status or certificate of existence) proves that a U.S. company is properly registered, up to date with state filings, and legally allowed to do business.
Spanish consulates often ask for this document in order to confirm that the company paying you really exists, is compliant, and will (most likely), be able to keep paying you while you live in Spain.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
→ Step 1: Confirm Where Your Company Is Registered
Certificates of good standing are issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the company was formed. You will request the certificate from that state, not from a federal office.
Each state has an official website where you can look up a registered businesses. Just google "business entity search [and the State (ex. California)]".
→ Step 2: Order the Certificate
After you've determined where the company is registered, you can request a certificate of good standing. Remember some states call these: certificate of good status or certificate of existence.
State Resources for Certificate of Good Standing:
IMPORTANT! Request an official certified copy, not an informational copy. Spanish authorities will only accept the certified version bearing the state's seal or digital certification stamp.
In most states you can order the certificate online and either download the PDF immediately or ask for a paper copy to be mailed. In a few states you must fill out a request form and send it with payment to the Secretary of State. Some states also have walk-in counters where you can pick up the certificate the same day.
→ Step 3: Get an Apostille
Great! Once you have the official (certified copy) of the certificate of good standing you can now get it apostilled.
What's an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate the US government attaches to an official document to certify that it can be used internationally. The apostille is required if the certificate of good standing is going to be used for a visa in Spain.
You will need to get an apostille from the same state you requested the certificate of good standing. Each state has slightly different procedures for how to request an apostille. To start, you should go to the official state website, and find their instructions for apostilling documents.
Typically you will:
- Complete the apostille request form
- Pay the apostille fee
- Submit the form and the original certificate of good standing online or by mail
If you send the documents by mail, you will likely need to include a prepaid return envelope so the office can return the apostilled certificate to you.
Make sure to consult the official state apostille instructions before getting started.
→ Step 4: Translate Your Documents
Spanish consulates require a sworn (official) translation of both the certificate of good standing and the apostille. This is the final step before your document will be ready for submission to the Spanish government.
NEED A HAND?
Our immigration team can help you download, apostille, and officially translate your certificate of good standing. Leave us a message below.
If you have other questions about apostilles, you can also check out our FAQ page.