The question ‘Do I need a sworn translator for a Spanish visa?’, or variations of it, comes up frequently on online forums discussing the Spanish visa application process. It is commonly asked by expats, digital nomads, students, language assistants (auxiliares de conversación), and others applying for long-term visas for Spain.
The short answer is yes. If your visa application requires documents to be translated into Spanish, you will normally need those translations to be completed by a sworn translator recognised by the Spanish authorities. A translation carried out by a friend or someone who simply speaks both languages will not usually be accepted.
What is the Difference Between a Registered, Official and Sworn Translator?
The terminology can be confusing. You may see references to registered translator, official translator, certified translator or sworn translator. For Spanish visa applications, these terms are often used interchangeably, although sworn translator (traductor jurado) is the correct official term.
When you read the visa requirements published by Spanish consulates, you will usually find references to an official translation or a sworn translator. The Spanish authorities require translations to include formal certification confirming that they have been prepared by a suitably qualified professional.
For documents intended for the Spanish authorities, such as visa applications, the recognised translators are those appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. These professionals are known as sworn translators or sworn translator-interpreters.
They have obtained their qualification either by passing the official examinations or by completing recognised qualifications in Spain. Their translations are legally recognised for official purposes by the authorities in Spain, including Spanish consulates and their external visa application centres.
Sworn translators can issue translations either as traditional paper documents bearing their signature and official stamp or as electronically certified translations, which are widely accepted and often save both time and postage costs.
If you would like to know more about how the process works, our Services page explains the translation process in straightforward terms and answers many frequently asked questions.
Which Documents Need to Be Translated by the Spanish Sworn Translator?
The documents that require translation vary according to the type of visa you are applying for. Spain has numerous visa categories, so it is important to check the requirements for your specific application before arranging any translations.
At the time of writing, the Spanish Consulate in London lists the following national visa categories:
- Study visa
- Researcher visa
- Internship visa
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Family Reunification Visa (General Scheme)
- Residence and Employment Work Visa (TRA)
- Residence Visa with Working Permit Exemption (TRE)
- Self-employed Work Visa
- Visa for Highly Qualified Workers and Intra-company Transfers
- Entrepreneur Visa
- Non-working Residence Visa
- Long-term Residence or EU Long-term Residence Recovery
- Working Visa for Professionals in the Audiovisual Sector
- Visa for Family Members of Spanish Citizens Living in Spain
- Residence Authorisation and Visa for Family Members of Spanish Citizens Living in the UK
Always consult the requirements for your particular visa category, as these will specify which supporting documents must be translated into Spanish.
Sworn Translation for Spanish Visa Documents
We specialise in sworn translations for Spanish visa applications and regularly translate documents such as:
- Medical certificates
- ACRO police certificates and other criminal background checks
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Sponsorship letters
- Academic qualifications
- Financial documents
You can also find detailed guidance on many of these documents in our blog, where we answer the questions most frequently asked by visa applicants.
Our translations are completed by a Spanish sworn translator and can normally be supplied electronically with official certification, allowing you to submit your visa application quickly and efficiently.
If you would like a quotation, please use the contact form on our Home page or email us at info@spanishvisatranslations.co.uk.