Question
Which documents need translating and apostiling for Spain Digital Nomad Visa application?
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an internationally recognized certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country. Established by the Hague Convention of 1961, this process ensures that the document’s signature, seal, and the issuing authority are genuine. Typically, an apostille is obtained from the relevant government authority in your home country, such as the Secretary of State’s office in the U.S.
What is a Spanish Sworn Translation?
A Spanish sworn translation (traducción jurada) is an officially certified translation carried out by a translator accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These translations are stamped and signed by the sworn translator, ensuring their legal validity in Spain.
For Spainguru’s recommended Apostille Services and Sworn Translators, click here.
Documents Requiring an Apostille:
- Police Record Certificate (from every country where you have lived in the last two years)
- Certificate of Incorporation/Good Standing (for those working with a client or employer)
- Marriage Certificate/Birth Certificates (only required if applying with dependents)
- University Degree (New in 2024)
- Tax/Social Security Documents Proving Work Experience (New in 2024)
Exceptions:
- If the above documents are issued within the EU as a Multilingual Standard Form, they generally do not require an apostille.
- However, non-EU citizens must still apostille police record certificates, even if issued within the EU.
Documents Requiring Sworn Translations:
- Police Record Certificate (if not originally in Spanish)
- Certificate of Incorporation/Good Standing
- Marriage Certificate/Birth Certificates (if applicable)
- Apostilled Documents (if not originally in Spanish)
- University Degree (if applicable)
- Client/Employment Contract
- Client/Employer Letter
- Letters Proving 3 Years of Work Experience
- Tax/Social Security Documents Proving Work Experience (New in 2024)
Documents Not Requiring Sworn Translation:
- Passport Copy (all pages)
- Visa Application Form (Mi_T)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (must be written in Spanish but does not require a sworn translation)
- Bank Statements
- A1 Form
- S1 Form
- Payslips
- Invoices
- Documents Already in Spanish
Note: While these documents generally do not require sworn translation, in some cases, the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) may request a sworn translation within a short timeframe (typically 10 working days).
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