In short: the Ecuadorian criminal record certificate (certificado de antecedentes penales) is free to get online. Only the apostille, if you need it, is done at the Consulate of Ecuador in Valencia, by appointment and for 30 € in cash. The document certifies whether a person has a criminal record in Ecuador.
In person or by representative? The certificate is obtained online, without travelling. For the procedure at the consulate (the apostille), the page says your spouse, your children aged over 18, or your father or mother can do it on your behalf. It does not say what the representative must bring or whether a power of attorney is needed: confirm with the consulate.
How to get it. The consulate links to an official online service where the certificate is free.
Do you need an apostille? If the certificate will be presented to an authority or institution that requires an apostille, that procedure is done separately. An apostille is the stamp that makes a public document valid in another country. You do not have to bring the certificate printed: the consulate can print it to process the apostille.
What to bring to the apostille.
- Ecuadorians: cédula de ciudadanía or Ecuadorian passport, original and valid.
- Foreigners: passport, original and valid.
Cost and appointment. The apostille costs 30 € in cash, the exact amount. It is done by appointment and you have to book one slot for each document you want apostilled: book an appointment. To apostille other documents, see the consulate's apostille information.
In Spain. Our guides to arraigo social, arraigo sociolaboral and nationality by residence list the criminal record certificate among the documents; there you will see from which countries and with what apostille or translation. This certificate refers to a record in Ecuador. The consulate page does not say how long it stays valid, so confirm with the office that handles your procedure how recent a certificate it accepts.
Steps:
- Get the certificate online, free, on the official service the consulate links to.
- Check whether your procedure in Spain requires an apostille (see our guides and the official sheet for the procedure).
- If it does, book an appointment on the Cancillería appointment platform, one slot for each document.
- Go to the appointment with your cédula or valid Ecuadorian passport (if you are a foreigner, with your passport). You do not have to bring the certificate printed.
- Pay 30 € in cash, the exact amount.
Official source: Consulate of Ecuador in Valencia, criminal record certificate.
Informational only; check the official source and a professional for your specific case.