Coordinating depositions in Spain is not terribly different from planning them in the U.S. Though a party to The Hague Evidence Convention, Spain permits voluntary depositions regardless of the nationality of the witness. Further, there are no restrictions regarding the location used for depositions in Spain. If there is a requirement for an oath to be administered, a U.S. consular officer must be reserved directly with the U.S. Embassy in advance of the planned dates.
Reporters, videographers, and interpreters throughout Europe tend to book far in advance, so it’s best to plan as far ahead as possible for depositions in Spain. Once you have dates, start coordinating with a global court reporting firm with a strong presence in Europe and reporters and videographers living throughout the region. You may also want to check with your court reporting company to see if realtime can be streamed to remote participants.
The earlier you reserve the team, the sooner they can start helping with all of the logistical details like printing exhibits, reserving conference rooms, etc. They can also conduct a test with the location to confirm the internet speed if necessary. They can even provide informed recommendations when it comes to hotels, restaurants, and the best dishes to order when dining out.
Spain is a very warm, welcoming country with much to offer when you have free time to get around. Madrid is world renowned for Real Madrid, named by FIFA as the best team of the 20th century. They meet their opponents in the stadium Santiago Bernabéu, which offers tours as well. Spain is also known for another sport — the infamous bullfight — and Madrid’s plaza de toros (bullring) Las Ventas is the country’s largest and considered the world center of bullfighting. Madrid’s nightlife is also a popular attraction to the city. You’ll find delicious tapas, jazz lounges, flamenco theaters, and numerous other sights worth visiting in this enchanting city. Live music is everywhere and of a wide variety, so there’s something for everyone.
Spain does not require a visa for visits of 90 days or less. A passport valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from the Schengen area is required, and you’ll need one blank page for an entry stamp in your passport. It is recommended that you never travel internationally with fewer than six months’ validity on your passport and at least two blank pages in the visa section for any entry stamps.
