Can I Use an ATA-Certified Translation for a Spanish Visa?
If you are preparing official documents for Spain, this page explains what usually matters before you pay for a sworn translation. Requirements can vary by consulate, authority, and procedure, so use this as translation guidance and always check the current instructions from the receiving office.
For documents submitted to Spanish authorities, applicants are often asked for a sworn or official translation into Spanish. An ATA-certified translation may be familiar in the U.S., but it is not the same thing as a sworn translation prepared by a Spain-appointed sworn translator.
Alba can help with the sworn translation portion of the process. She does not provide legal or immigration advice.
Why the terminology is confusing
In the U.S., people often say certified translation, notarized translation, or ATA-certified translation. In Spain, the official category is usually sworn translation by a duly appointed sworn translator-interpreter.
- Certified in the U.S. does not automatically mean sworn in Spain
- Notarization is not the same as sworn translator appointment
- Spanish procedures often use traductor jurado terminology
What Spanish authorities usually want
When a document is used in Spain, the receiving authority may require a Spanish sworn translation with the translator’s official statement, signature, and stamp.
- Translator identification
- Sworn certification formula
- Signature and stamp
- Digital signature when delivered electronically
Best next step
If your checklist says sworn translation, official translation, or traducción jurada, send the document to Alba rather than ordering a U.S.-style certified translation first.
- Avoid paying twice
- Use a Spain-appointed sworn translator
- Send the final apostilled documents
Why work directly with Alba
Sworn Translation Spain is a small, specialist service, not a high-volume agency. Your translation is handled personally by Alba Fernández Carrasco, a Spain-appointed sworn translator-interpreter. The process is simple: send scanned files, receive a signed and stamped digital PDF, and pay after delivery.
- €37 per page standard sworn translation
- €55 per page for 12-hour rush service when available
- Digitally signed and stamped PDF delivery
- Scanned documents are enough in most cases
- Direct communication with Alba, not a middleman
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a scanned copy of my visa document?
Yes. In most cases, a clear scanned copy or digital PDF is enough for Alba to prepare the sworn translation. If a physical copy is ever needed, the receiving authority will usually say so.
How is the price calculated?
Pricing is calculated per page translated. Standard sworn translations are €37 per page, and 12-hour rush service is €55 per page when available.
Will Alba tell me the page count before starting?
Yes. Send the files and Alba will confirm which pages need translation and the expected price before preparing the translation.