Question
The documents you have translated for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa. Can the translator send them back to me via PDF and I print myself or do they have to come back via paper? The translator asked my preference. I’m headed to the Washington DC consulate. Thank you in advance.
Answers
Make sure to join our dedicated Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group here!
“PDF then you print them off. And no don’t a silly question at all.”
“PDF were fine for me in Los Angeles.”
“Would be better to have the real hard copy, but PDF then print-out is fine—that’s what I am submitting since my translator is in Spain and I’m on the other side of the world. I will submit my PDF files printed out with his digital certificate signature.”
“Our translations were emailed from Spain with all the official translator’s stamps and Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs registration number, all were accepted.”
“That’s what the translator advised as well. As it is I’m waiting on hard copies of some other paperwork from Spain that has been lost in transit by DHL.”
“Spainguru recommends these Spanish sworn translators and a self-service sworn translation service with urgent delivery (48h/24h/12h)—all 100% online, no physical mail required. You will also find recommended Apostille services in the UK & USA.”
Conclusion
Spainguru community members confirmed that for the Spain non lucrative visa, it is generally acceptable to submit printed PDFs of your sworn translations, provided they include the translator’s official stamps and registration number.
This is especially useful when dealing with sworn translators based in Spain while you’re abroad.
While some applicants feel that hard copies are safer or more traditional, there is no strict requirement for physical delivery if the printed PDFs are properly signed and certified.
Digital delivery not only simplifies the process but also reduces the risk of lost international mail, which can delay your application.
Be sure to confirm with your specific consulate, but as seen from experiences in DC and LA, printed digital copies are widely accepted.
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group here!
