Sworn Translations and Apostilles for a Spanish Visa
Public documents issued outside Spain, such as criminal record certificates, birth and marriage certificates and diplomas, generally have to be authenticated before a Spanish authority will accept them. That means an apostille, or legalisation if the issuing country isn't part of the Hague Convention. If they aren't in Spanish, they normally also need a sworn translation (traducción jurada) by a translator recognised by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both visa-processing services in our group coordinate this as part of an application.
Step 1: the apostille or legalisation
For countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille issued in the country of origin replaces legalisation. For other countries, the document is legalised first by that country's foreign ministry and then by the Spanish consulate for the area. Some public documents issued within the EU are exempt from both under an EU regulation.
- The apostille is issued by the authority designated in the country that issued the document. Your service will tell you which authority that is.
- Getting the apostille before the translation means the sworn translation can cover the whole document, apostille included.
- Legalisation doesn't extend the validity of the document itself, and a certificate that's too old for your consulate stays too old, whatever is attached to it.
The UGE guidance, for example, says public documents issued by a foreign authority must be legalised or apostilled.
Step 2: the sworn translation
Translations by sworn translators (traductores/intérpretes jurados) recognised by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs are official translations, valid in Spain without any further legalisation. Translations made by Spanish consulates abroad need a later legalisation. Local translations made abroad may not be accepted by some Spanish authorities. The UGE guidance, for example, requires a sworn translation for public documents not written in Spanish.
- What matters is the translator's recognition by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which keeps a published list.
- Translations are usually charged by page or by word.
- Some non-public documents, such as a CV, can be translated more simply where the checklist allows.
Which documents usually need this
| Document | Apostille or legalisation | Sworn translation (if not in Spanish) |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal record certificate | Usually | Usually |
| Birth and marriage certificates for family members | Usually | Usually |
| Degree or qualification certificates | Often, where they prove a requirement | Often |
| Bank statements and payslips | Check your checklist | Check your checklist |
| Medical certificate | Check your consulate | Check your consulate |
Requirements vary by route and by consulate, so your service works from the checklist for your application.
Timing
Some documents are only accepted if they were issued recently, and consulates set their own validity periods. So the order matters:
- Confirm your route and checklist.
- Order the certificates with short validity last.
- Get the apostilles.
- Get the sworn translations.
- Submit while everything is still within its validity.
A document with a problem has to be replaced, legalised and translated again, which is why services check documents before translation.
What the services include
Both services include sworn translations up to a set allowance as part of their application packages, and coordinate apostilles. The allowance differs by service and route. Confirm the current allowance in writing before instructing either service. The route pricing pages show what each publishes: prices compared.
My Spanish Visa
Document checking and translation coordination inside a full application service.
- A checklist showing which documents need an apostille and translation
- A review of your documents before they're translated
- Translations checked before they go into the file
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Platinum Legal Spain
A guide to apostilles and sworn translations, with help arranging them.
- Which of your documents need an apostille
- Sworn translations arranged for you
- Where to get the apostille in the issuing country
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We don't pass your details to either service. Choosing one opens its website in a new tab, where you start a separate enquiry.
Your insurance certificate
The health insurance certificate is one of the documents in the file. We can tell you how it's issued and which language it's issued in for your application. See visa health insurance certificate.
Common mistakes
- Translating before the apostille. The translation should cover the apostille too.
- Using a non-sworn translator. An ordinary or "certified" translation may not be accepted.
- Ordering everything at once. Short-validity certificates can expire before the appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a translator in my own country?
Yes, if they're a sworn translator recognised by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A local translation without that recognition may not be accepted.
Does a bank statement need an apostille?
It depends on your checklist. Bank documents aren't usually public documents, but consulates set their own rules on format and translation.
My country isn't in the Hague Convention. What then?
The document is legalised by your country's foreign ministry and then by the Spanish consulate for your area. Your service will tell you the steps for your country.