Document legalisation
Apostille and Sworn Translation in Spain
Apostille, legalisation, and sworn translation are three different things. Many people need more than one — but in different combinations. Understanding which you need avoids delays and rejected applications.
Three different things
Sworn translation
A translation of your document into Spanish, certified by a MAEC-appointed sworn translator. Required when submitting a foreign-language document to a Spanish authority.
Produced by: Traducet (via MAEC-appointed translators)
Apostille
A certificate that authenticates the official signature on a public document for use in another country. Governed by the Hague Convention of 1961. Issued by the competent authority in the country that produced the original document.
Issued by: the competent authority in the issuing country (varies by country)
Legalisation
A multi-step authentication process used when a document needs to travel between countries that are not both signatories to the Hague Convention. Typically involves the foreign ministry and a consulate.
Issued by: foreign ministry and consular authorities in the issuing country
Which comes first: apostille or translation?
As a general rule: apostille (or legalisation) first, then translation.
The apostille certifies the authenticity of the source document. The translator then works from the authenticated original and certifies the translation of that authenticated copy.
However, practice varies by authority and procedure. Some authorities accept translations of non-apostilled copies for preliminary review. Always check the specific instructions from the authority receiving your documents.
When you may need both
You typically need both an apostille and a sworn translation when:
- Applying for Spanish nationality using documents from a Hague Convention country
- Registering a foreign marriage at the Spanish civil registry
- Submitting foreign academic qualifications for homologación
- Filing foreign court documents in Spanish proceedings
When only sworn translation is needed
Many procedures only require the sworn translation, without apostille:
- Submitting documents to immigration (Extranjería) for residency or work permits
- Providing financial certificates for visa applications
- Submitting documents for university admission
- DGT driving licence exchange (for non-EU licences)
What Traducet provides
Traducet provides sworn translation services only. We do not offer apostille or legalisation services. Apostille or legalisation must be obtained from the relevant authority in the country that issued your document, before or after translation depending on the authority's requirements.
If you are unsure whether your document needs apostille before translation, check with the Spanish authority that will receive your documents. Traducet can translate your document at any stage.
Common questions
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements vary by authority, procedure, and country of document issue. Always consult the official instructions of the authority receiving your document.
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