ELS-0038Residency · Spain

Digital Nomad Visa Spain: Which Documents Need Translation?

Official sources checked
Written by Sue Berry
Practical guidance

Applying for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa can involve employment records, company certificates, criminal-record checks and family documents issued outside Spain. This guide explains which papers may need a Spanish sworn translation, when an apostille may also be required and how British applicants can prepare everything in the correct order.

The Quick Answer

Many documents submitted for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa must be in Spanish.

Foreign official documents may also need to be legalised or carry a Hague Apostille before they are submitted. The Spanish Consulate in London states that foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, accompanied by an official Spanish translation.

Documents commonly needing attention include:

criminal-record certificates;

company-registration certificates;

employment or professional relationship letters;

proof that remote work is authorised;

professional qualifications;

marriage and birth certificates;

evidence of financial dependency;

powers of attorney;

other official documents issued outside Spain.

The safest order is normally:

Confirm the current requirements of the office receiving the application.

Obtain the correct original document.

Arrange the apostille where required.

Have the complete document translated into Spanish.

Check every name, date, reference and stamp.

Submit the original, apostille and translation together.

For an English-to-Spanish translation intended for use in Spain, the Spanish Consulate in London advises using a sworn translator-interpreter properly registered in Spain.

Why This Matters

A Digital Nomad Visa application can contain documents from several different sources:

the applicant;

a UK employer;

overseas clients;

Companies House;

the police or ACRO;

a university or professional body;

a doctor;

a civil registry;

a pension, bank or insurance provider.

Each document may have different requirements.

A normal English-language letter may need translating but not apostilling. A public document, such as a criminal-record certificate or marriage certificate, may need both an apostille and a sworn translation.

Preparing the wrong version can cause:

an application to be marked incomplete;

requests for further evidence;

missed appointments;

extra translation costs;

new documents being required;

delays that cause time-sensitive certificates to become too old;

uncertainty over whether an applicant meets the visa conditions.

Apostilles and translations have different purposes:

An apostille authenticates the signature, stamp or seal on a qualifying public document.

A sworn translation provides an officially recognised Spanish version of the document.

The UK Legalisation Office confirms that an apostille is attached after it verifies that the relevant signature, stamp or seal matches its records.

Frequently asked questions

What Is a Sworn Translation? In Spain, an official sworn translation is known as a: Traducción jurada It is completed by an authorised:

Traductor-Intérprete Jurado

The translation normally includes the translator’s: official certification; signature; seal or recognised electronic signature; identifying details; confirmation that the translation is complete and faithful. For documents being used in Spain, the Spanish Consulate in London recommends using a sworn translator-interpreter registered in Spain. A bilingual colleague, ordinary translation company or online translation tool may help you understand a document, but that does not make the result an official sworn translation.

Which Documents Are Most Likely to Need Translation? The final answer depends on the instructions issued for your application. However, the following documents frequently need to be translated when they are written only in English. Criminal-record certificate Adult applicants must provide the criminal-record evidence required by the relevant consular instructions. The current London Digital Nomad Visa checklist refers to the criminal-record certificate being translated into Spanish by a translator-interpreter. The wider consular guidance also states that foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised and, where applicable, officially translated. For a British applicant, this may involve an ACRO certificate, depending on the current checklist. Company-registration evidence Applicants may need evidence showing that the overseas company has been genuinely active for the required period. This might include: Companies House certificates; certified company extracts; foreign commercial-register documents; incorporation records; evidence of the company’s activity. A certified Companies House document may be capable of being legalised where it carries the necessary qualifying signature. Employer’s remote-working letter An employed applicant will normally need a letter explaining matters such as: how long they have worked for the company; their position; their income; that they may work remotely; that the employer authorises them to work from Spain. Although this may be a private company letter rather than a public certificate, it may still need an official Spanish translation. Ask whether the letter also needs: notarisation; apostille; a particular signature; company letterhead; specific wording. Self-employed contracts and client letters A self-employed applicant may need to show: an existing professional relationship; the length of that relationship; the services provided; permission to work remotely; the terms of the arrangement; payments or expected income. Contracts and client letters written in English may need to be translated even where an apostille is not required. Professional qualifications An applicant may rely on: a degree; postgraduate qualification; business-school qualification; vocational qualification; evidence of professional experience. Foreign qualifications may require translation. Where the intended profession is regulated, recognition or approval of the qualification may also be needed; translation alone does not provide professional recognition. Official consular guidance notes that regulated-profession requirements must be dealt with separately. Social Security documentation Applicants may need evidence showing how Social Security obligations will be met. This might include: a certificate of applicable legislation; UK Social Security documentation; Spanish Social Security registration; company commitments; evidence of eligibility under an international agreement. Ask whether the issuing authority can provide a bilingual or multilingual certificate before paying for a translation. Medical certificate Where a medical certificate is required, its wording and format can be particularly important. A certificate written only in English may need a Spanish translation. Some consulates publish bilingual specimen wording, which may reduce the need for a separate translation if the certificate itself is issued correctly in both languages. Do not assume that every doctor’s letter will be accepted. Marriage and civil-partnership certificates Family members joining the main applicant may need to prove the relationship using: marriage certificates; civil-partnership certificates; registered-partnership evidence; evidence of a qualifying unregistered partnership. Foreign civil-status documents commonly need legalisation or an apostille and, where necessary, an official translation into Spanish. Birth certificates Birth certificates may be required for accompanying children or to establish family relationships. The receiving authority may require: a full birth certificate; a recently issued certified copy; an apostille; a sworn translation. Dependency and civil-status evidence For adult children or dependent parents, the applicant may need evidence of: financial dependency; civil status; cohabitation; regular payments; care arrangements; inclusion within the family unit. Documents issued outside Spain may require legalisation and official translation. Power of attorney Where a representative submits or handles the application, the power of attorney or representation document may require: notarisation; an apostille; a sworn translation; proof of the representative’s identity. The Spanish Consulate’s official guidance specifically notes legalisation or apostille and, where necessary, translation for foreign representation documents.

Which Documents May Not Need a Sworn Translation? Not everything in an application automatically needs to go to a sworn translator. A translation may not be needed where: the document is issued in Spanish; the document is officially bilingual and includes acceptable Spanish wording; the consulate confirms that English is accepted; the form is a Spanish Government form completed in Spanish; the document is a passport copy that does not require translation; the authority specifically accepts an untranslated document; the information is entered directly into an official Spanish application form. Bank statements, payslips, insurance policies, contracts and client invoices can create uncertainty. Some offices may accept them in English, while others may ask for translations of all or selected parts. Ask before commissioning a large bundle of translations.

Does Every Translated Document Need an Apostille? No. An apostille is generally associated with eligible public documents or documents carrying a qualifying official or notarised signature. Examples may include: criminal-record certificates; civil-status certificates; certified Companies House documents; notarised powers of attorney; certain medical certificates; qualifying educational documents. A private employment letter, bank statement or commercial contract may need translation without automatically qualifying for or requiring an apostille. The UK Legalisation Office can only legalise documents that meet its requirements. It does not legalise documents issued outside the UK. Do not have a private document notarised merely because someone has casually said that “everything needs an apostille”. First confirm exactly what the consulate or immigration authority wants.

Does every Digital Nomad Visa document need translating? No. Documents already issued in Spanish will not normally need translating, and some English-language evidence may be accepted. The receiving office decides which documents require an official Spanish translation.

What is a sworn Spanish translation? It is an official translation completed and certified by an authorised sworn translator-interpreter. In Spain it is called a traducción jurada.

Does the criminal-record certificate need translating? Applicants should expect a criminal-record certificate written only in English to require an official Spanish translation. The current London checklist refers to translation by a translator-interpreter, while the general Digital Nomad Visa instructions require foreign documents to be apostilled or legalised and officially translated where applicable.

Does the criminal-record certificate also need an apostille? The official London guidance states that foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled. Check the current checklist to confirm the exact process for the certificate being submitted.

Does an employer’s letter need an apostille? Not automatically. It may need a Spanish translation, while notarisation or an apostille will depend on the instructions applying to that letter and signature.

Do Companies House documents need translating? They may need an official Spanish translation. Check whether the authority requires a certified Companies House certificate capable of being legalised rather than a standard online printout. GOV.UK explains that qualifying certified Companies House documents require an appropriate original public-official signature for legalisation.

Do my degree certificates need translating? They may need translation where they are used to prove eligibility. A regulated profession may also require formal recognition in Spain, which is separate from translating the certificate.

Do bank statements need a sworn translation? Requirements can vary. Ask whether English statements are accepted or whether all or selected parts need translation before paying to translate a large bundle.

Do contracts need to be translated in full? Possibly, but not always. Ask whether the complete contract is required or whether a specific signed certificate or selected sections will be accepted.

Can my Spanish-speaking friend translate the documents? They can help you understand them, but their translation will not replace a sworn translation where one is officially required.

Can a UK translator prepare the translation? For English-to-Spanish documents intended for use in Spain, the Spanish Consulate in London advises using a sworn translator-interpreter properly registered in Spain.

Should I translate the document before obtaining the apostille? Where both are required, it is usually safer to obtain the apostille first so the translator can translate the complete final document. Confirm the order for your application.

Does the apostille itself need translating? Requirements can vary. Ask the receiving office and translator whether the wording on the apostille must be included in the sworn translation.

Can the consulate ask for more documents? Yes. The official Digital Nomad Visa guidance states that the consular office may request missing or additional documents, further information or an interview when needed to assess the application.

Important — Read Before You Act

Digital Nomad Visa document requirements can vary according to:

where the applicant legally resides;

the consulate handling the application;

whether the application is submitted from Spain;

whether the person is employed or self-employed;

the countries in which they have lived;

whether family members are included;

whether the profession is regulated;

the type of company evidence provided.

Do not assume that every document listed in an online article needs both an apostille and translation.

Equally, do not assume that an English document will be accepted simply because another applicant’s was.

Use the current official checklist for the authority receiving your application. Ask for clarification before paying for legalisation, notarisation or translation.

Visa rules and operational checklists can change. Professional immigration advice may be appropriate where the work arrangement, company structure, Social Security position or family circumstances are complicated.

What To Do — Step by Step

Confirm Where You Will Apply Applicants may follow different procedures depending on whether they are applying: through the Spanish Consulate responsible for their place of residence; through the relevant visa application centre; from within Spain for the corresponding residence authorisation; through an authorised representative. Identify the exact office first because its document checklist and submission process will control your application. For British residents applying through London, use the current Spanish Consulate in London Digital Nomad Visa page and checklist
Create a Complete Document List Divide the application paperwork into sections: identity; criminal records; employment or self-employment; company activity; qualifications or experience; Social Security; financial means; health insurance; family relationships; representation; additional supporting evidence. Mark each item: Spanish already; English accepted; translation required; apostille required; both required; requirement not yet confirmed.
Ask Which Documents Need an Official Translation Ask the consulate, visa centre or adviser: Must all English documents be translated? Which translations must be sworn? Will bilingual originals be accepted? Must the apostille also be translated? Are electronically signed translations accepted? Are paper originals required? Can lengthy contracts be translated in part, or must every page be translated? Keep the response or official checklist with your application file.
Obtain the Correct Originals Check whether each item must be: an original; a certified copy; recently issued; signed in wet ink; printed on company letterhead; issued by a recognised authority; accompanied by a photocopy. Order fresh certificates where necessary before beginning the legalisation process.
Arrange the Apostille Where Required For qualifying UK documents, apply through the UK Legalisation Office or a recognised service route. The Legalisation Office checks the relevant official signature, seal or stamp and attaches an apostille when the document qualifies. Keep: the application reference; payment receipt; postage or courier details; apostille number; a copy of the finished document.
Find an Authorised Sworn Translator For English-to-Spanish documents intended for use in Spain, use a properly registered Spanish sworn translator-interpreter. Send the translator: every page; the apostille; stamps and seals; attachments; handwritten notes; clear scans of the complete document. Ask for confirmation of: price; timescale; paper or electronic format; postage; whether the apostille is included; the number of copies supplied. The Spanish Consulate in London recommends a sworn translator registered in Spain for English-to-Spanish translations used there.
Check Company Letters Before Translation Before paying for the employer or client letter to be translated, check that it includes all required facts. For an employee, this may include: employment start date; job role; salary or remuneration; permission to work remotely; confirmation that the work can be performed from Spain; company contact and signature. For a self-employed applicant, it may include: start date of the professional relationship; services provided; payment terms; remote-working arrangement; confirmation that the relationship will continue.
Check Names and Dates Carefully Compare the translated documents with: passport; visa form; NIE where already held; marriage certificate; birth certificates; company records; contracts. Check: middle names; maiden names; double surnames; dates of birth; company names; registration numbers; document dates; currency and salary figures.
Check the Translator’s Certification The finished sworn translation should contain the translator’s official certification and identifying details. Check that: every page is included; stamps and signatures are represented; the apostille is included where required; pages correspond to the original; electronic signatures can be validated where applicable; paper copies are signed and sealed where required.
Prepare the Submission Bundle Arrange documents in the same order as the official checklist. For each relevant item, place together: Original or acceptable certified document. Hague Apostille or legalisation. Sworn Spanish translation. Photocopy where required. Create an index so you can see quickly whether anything is missing.
Record Document Expiry and Freshness Dates Some certificates must have been issued within a particular period before submission. Record: issue date; apostille date; translation date; appointment date; final acceptable submission date. Leave enough time for delays, corrections and replacement documents.
Keep the Full Application Record Step body: Retain: official checklist; original documents; apostilles; translations; invoices; submission receipt; application reference; correspondence; request for further evidence; final decision. Tell a trusted person where the documents are kept.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming every English document automatically needs a sworn translation.
Assuming no translation is needed because an applicant in another country submitted documents in English.
Using a checklist from the wrong Spanish consulate.
Confusing an apostille with a translation.
Translating a document before the apostille is attached.
Translating an incomplete employer or client letter.
Using a normal translation where an official sworn translation is required.
Using someone who describes themselves as certified without checking their Spanish authorisation.
Forgetting to translate company certificates, stamps or attachments.
Submitting a criminal-record certificate that has become too old.
Ordering a Companies House download when a certified or legalisable certificate is required.
Assuming a notarised photocopy will always be accepted.
Failing to check middle names and company-registration details.
Paying to translate a long contract before asking whether all pages are needed.
Assuming that translation replaces recognition of a regulated professional qualification.
Failing to keep copies of the complete legalised and translated bundle.

Your Action Checklist

Confirm the Requirements
Identify the office receiving my application.
Download the current official checklist.
Confirm which English documents need translation.
Confirm which translations must be sworn.
Confirm which documents need an apostille.
Ask whether bilingual documents are accepted.
Ask whether electronic translations are accepted.
Confirm whether originals and copies are required.
Prepare the Originals
Obtain the correct criminal-record certificate.
Obtain the required company-registration evidence.
Prepare the employer’s remote-working letter.
Prepare self-employed contracts or client letters.
Obtain qualification or experience evidence.
Obtain Social Security documentation.
Prepare financial evidence.
Obtain family certificates where applicable.
Check that every document is complete.
Record document issue and expiry dates.
Apostille and Translation
Apostille qualifying public documents where required.
Keep apostille references and receipts.
Find an authorised English-Spanish sworn translator.
Confirm price and completion date.
Send clear scans of every page.
Include the apostille, seals and attachments.
Confirm whether paper, electronic or both formats are needed.
Check names, dates and registration numbers.
Check the translator’s certification and signature.
Submission
Put documents in checklist order.
Attach each apostille to the correct document.
Place each translation with its original.
Prepare the required photocopies.
Scan the entire application bundle.
Keep proof of submission.
Record any further-document deadline.
Store the decision with the application records.

In Summary

British applicants for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa may need to prepare several English-language documents for official use in Spain.

Documents most likely to need attention include:

criminal-record certificates;

company-registration evidence;

employer or client letters;

professional qualifications;

Social Security documents;

medical evidence;

marriage and birth certificates;

dependency records;

powers of attorney.

The safest process is:

Download the current official checklist.

Confirm which documents need translating.

Obtain the correct originals.

Apostille qualifying documents where required.

Use an authorised sworn translator.

Check all names, dates and company details.

Keep each original, apostille and translation together.

Record issue dates and submission deadlines.

Scan the complete application.

Keep proof of submission and the final decision.

Sue’s final thoughts & experiences

A personal note from Sue Berry

The biggest risk with visa paperwork is not always forgetting a document. It is spending money preparing the wrong version of it.

People often hear the words certified, notarised, apostilled and translated and assume they all mean roughly the same thing.

They do not.

Start with the official checklist and mark each document clearly: original, apostille, translation or both.

Then prepare one item at a time.

It may seem methodical, but this is exactly where a simple document tracker can save money, reduce stress and stop an important certificate from becoming too old before the application is submitted.