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Visas & residency

Legalizing foreign documents (apostille and sworn translation)

Foreign certificates (birth, marriage, criminal record) usually need an apostille and a certified Spanish translation before Spanish authorities will accept them.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Apostille processing varies by country, from days to several weeks; sworn translations typically take a few days depending on document length.

This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.

Overview

Spanish authorities generally won't accept a foreign public document at face value. Two separate steps are usually needed: an apostille (or consular legalisation, for non-Hague countries) confirming the document is genuine, and a certified Spanish translation if the original isn't in Spanish.

Requirements

  • The document must be an original or certified copy issued by the relevant foreign authority
  • Your country must be a member of the Hague Apostille Convention for the simpler apostille route to apply

Step-by-step process

  • Obtain the original document from the issuing authority in your home country
  • Apply for an apostille from the competent authority in that country (often a foreign ministry or courts service)
  • Commission a certified (sworn) Spanish translation from a translator accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Submit the apostilled original plus certified translation together wherever it's required

Required documents

  • Original document to be legalised
  • Apostille certificate attached to the original
  • Certified Spanish translation, if the original isn't in Spanish

Common mistakes

  • Translating the document before it's apostilled — the apostille itself may also need translating
  • Using a non-accredited translator whose translation Spanish authorities won't accept as 'sworn'
  • Letting a criminal record certificate expire — most are only valid for 90 days from issue for this purpose

Practical tips

  • Order an extra apostilled original if you'll need the document for more than one procedure
  • Confirm your translator is on the official Spanish sworn-translator register before paying

How Tuchati can help

Tuchati can point you to accredited sworn translators and help you sequence this correctly so nothing expires before you can use it.

Legalizing foreign documents (apostille and sworn translation) — Help Centre — Tuchati