Apostille and sworn translation for documents used in Spain
Get the sequence right: apostille first, then a MAEC sworn translation covering the document and its apostille.
An apostille is the Hague Convention certificate that makes a public document valid abroad, and in Spain it must be followed by a sworn translation that includes the apostille text itself. The order matters: apostille first, translation second. Orion Translations provides MAEC sworn translations of apostilled documents with a fixed quote in one business day.
Two stamps, one valid document
An apostille authenticates who issued your document; a sworn translation makes its content legally readable to Spanish authorities. Extranjería, universities, registries and courts routinely require both, and they check the details: the translation must be produced by a sworn translator appointed by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it must cover the apostille text as well as the document.
The most common and costly mistake is translating before legalising. If the apostille is added after the translation, the translation no longer matches the document, and the file bounces. Orion Translations confirms the correct sequence for your specific procedure before any work begins.
How do you legalise a foreign document for Spain?
Three steps, in this order:
| Step | What happens | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Obtain the document | Recent original or official copy (many authorities reject certificates older than 3-6 months) | Issuing registry or authority |
| 2. Apostille it | The competent authority attaches the Hague apostille to the original | Country where the document was issued |
| 3. Sworn translation | A MAEC sworn translator translates document plus apostille, signs and seals | Orion Translations, delivered digitally or on paper |
For countries outside the Hague Convention, consular legalisation replaces the apostille, and the sworn translation requirement stays the same.
When do you need apostille plus sworn translation?
- Residence and visa applications (NIE, TIE): criminal records, birth and marriage certificates
- University enrolment and degree recognition: diplomas and academic transcripts
- Property purchases and inheritance: powers of attorney, probate documents
- Company formation: certificates of incorporation and good standing
- Civil procedures: marriage in Spain, registration of foreign births
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
The apostille is issued by the origin country's competent authority, usually quickly and cheaply. The sworn translation of a standard certificate with its apostille is priced per document and delivered in 2-3 business days, with urgent delivery available for immigration appointments. Send a scan to info@oriontranslations.com or call +34 932 204 590 for a fixed quote within one business day.
Legalised, translated and accepted, in the right order the first time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- An apostille is a standardised certificate under the 1961 Hague Convention that authenticates the origin of a public document (the signature and capacity of the official who issued it) so it is recognised in other member countries without consular legalisation. It does not certify the content, and it does not replace translation: a French birth certificate with an apostille is still in French.
- Apostille first. The sworn translation must include the text of the apostille itself, so if you translate before legalising, the translation is incomplete and authorities may reject it. The correct sequence is: obtain the apostille in the issuing country, then order the sworn translation of the document together with its apostille.
- Yes, if the document is not in Spanish. Spanish authorities require foreign public documents to be translated by a sworn translator appointed by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC); certified translations in the US or UK style are not accepted. Orion Translations provides MAEC sworn translations that include the apostille text.
- Birth, marriage and death certificates, criminal record checks, academic degrees and transcripts, notarial powers of attorney, and corporate documents such as certificates of incorporation. These combinations are standard for NIE and visa applications, property purchases, inheritance, university enrolment and company formation in Spain.
- The apostille itself is issued by the competent authority of the country where the document originated, often free or for a small fee. The sworn translation is priced per document or per page at standard sworn rates. Orion Translations quotes a fixed all-in price for the sworn translation, including the apostille text, within one business day.
- The apostille must be issued in the country where the document was produced, so for foreign documents you obtain it there, often online or through the issuing registry. For documents issued in Spain, we can guide you to the correct competent authority (notarial colleges, the Ministry of Justice or the courts) and then provide the sworn translation once the apostille is attached.