Do Apostilles Need to Be Translated for Spain?
Clear guidance on whether and when apostille pages need sworn translation.
One of the most common questions when preparing documents for Spain is whether the apostille page itself needs to be included in the sworn translation. The short answer is yes — in most cases, the apostille is treated as part of the document and should be translated along with it.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certification issued under the Hague Convention of 1961. It authenticates a public document — such as a birth certificate, background check, or academic diploma — for use in another country that is also a signatory to the Convention. An apostille does not translate a document; it simply certifies that the document is genuine and that the issuing authority's signature or seal is authentic. Spain is a member of the Hague Convention and accepts apostilles issued by other member countries.
Do Apostilles Need to Be Translated?
Yes, in most cases. When Spanish authorities require a sworn translation of an apostilled document, they expect the entire document to be translated — including the apostille page. The apostille contains information about the issuing authority, the date of issue, and certification details, which form part of the official record. If you submit a sworn translation that omits the apostille page, the Spanish authority may ask you to redo it. To avoid delays, always include the apostille when sending documents for translation.
How to Include Your Apostille in a Translation Request
When preparing your documents for a translation quote, scan the full document including the apostille page as a single file. Do not separate the apostille from the main document. If the apostille is stapled or attached to the back, scan both together so the translator can see that they belong to the same file. If the apostille was issued as a separate sheet, include it alongside the main document and note clearly that they are associated. This allows the translator to produce a complete sworn translation that covers the full document package as Spanish authorities expect it.
Common Questions
Do I need to apostille a document before getting it translated?
The apostille and the translation are separate steps and can be done in either order. However, for the final sworn translation you will submit to Spanish authorities, the apostille should already be attached so the translator can include it in the translation.
My apostille is in English — does the whole thing need translating?
Yes. If the apostille is in a language other than Spanish, it should be included in the sworn translation. The translator will translate the main document and the apostille together as a single sworn translation.
What if the apostille is already in Spanish?
If the apostille itself is in Spanish but the main document is in English, the translation will focus on the main document. Mention this when sending your files so the translator can review the full package and advise on what needs to be included.