Do I need a sworn translation for the Spain digital nomad visa?

For documents not in Spanish, usually yes, by a Spanish sworn translator. Check your consulate's page; some accept certain English documents.

How do I get an FBI background check apostilled?

The FBI check is a federal document, so the apostille comes from the US Department of State Office of Authentications, not your state.

Does my diploma need an apostille?

Usually yes when you use it to prove your qualification. For US diplomas this is normally done on a notarised copy through the Secretary of State.

Do translations need to be done in Spain?

No. The translator must be a Spanish sworn translator, but many work remotely and deliver signed translations digitally or by post.

Do I need an apostille and sworn translation for the Spain digital nomad visa?

Updated 2026-11-12 · Documents guide · Not legal advice

Usually yes: foreign public documents such as criminal record certificates, diplomas and marriage or birth certificates need a Hague apostille from the issuing country and a sworn translation into Spanish by a translator appointed by Spain's Foreign Ministry (traductor jurado). Some consulates accept certain documents in English, so check your consulate's page.

Who apostilles US documents
Document	Issued by	Apostille from
FBI Identity History Summary	FBI (federal)	US Department of State, Office of Authentications
Birth certificate	State vital records	Secretary of State of the issuing state
Marriage certificate	County / state	Secretary of State of the issuing state
University diploma	University (private document)	Notarised copy, then Secretary of State of the notary's state
Company documents	State business registry	Secretary of State of the issuing state

Apostille first, translation second

The apostille is attached to the original document, and the sworn translation should cover both the document and the apostille. Translating before the apostille is added means paying twice.

What makes a translation "sworn"

In Spain, a sworn translator (traductor/a jurado/a) is appointed by the Foreign Ministry and signs and stamps each translation. You can find one in the official list of sworn translators. A US "certified translation" is not the same thing; whether a consulate accepts it is up to the consulate, so check its page.

Countries outside the Apostille Convention

If a document comes from a country that is not party to the Hague Apostille Convention, it usually needs consular legalisation instead. See the HCCH status table.

Quick answers

Do I need a sworn translation for the Spain digital nomad visa?: For documents not in Spanish, usually yes, by a Spanish sworn translator. Check your consulate's page; some accept certain English documents.
How do I get an FBI background check apostilled?: The FBI check is a federal document, so the apostille comes from the US Department of State Office of Authentications, not your state.
Does my diploma need an apostille?: Usually yes when you use it to prove your qualification. For US diplomas this is normally done on a notarised copy through the Secretary of State.
Do translations need to be done in Spain?: No. The translator must be a Spanish sworn translator, but many work remotely and deliver signed translations digitally or by post.

What to do next

Get a checklist that flags which of your documents need an apostille and translation.

Generate my document checklist

Sources

Checked: 2026-11-12. Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.