Spain Student Visa Translation Checklist
Documents commonly needed for student visa applications in Spain.
The Spain Student Visa is for non-EU students enrolled in a recognized course of study in Spain lasting more than 90 days. As part of the application, personal and academic documents in foreign languages must be sworn-translated into Spanish. The checklist below covers the documents most commonly required. Always confirm requirements with the Spanish consulate handling your application.
About This Checklist
Student visa requirements can vary depending on the consulate and the type of course or institution. Academic documents such as transcripts and diplomas are particularly common alongside the standard personal documents required for most Spanish visa processes. If you are enrolling in a language course only, requirements may differ from those for a university degree programme.
A Note on Apostilles
Criminal record certificates and civil documents such as birth certificates typically need to be apostilled before sworn translation. Academic documents may or may not need apostilling depending on the specific consulate requirement — check before sending. When preparing files for translation, always include apostille pages so they are translated as part of the complete document.
Checklist
- Academic transcripts (current or most recent institution)
- Diploma or degree certificate, if applicable (apostilled, if required)
- Criminal record certificate or background check (apostilled)
- Medical certificate confirming good health status
- Health insurance policy document covering Spain
- Letter of acceptance from the Spanish educational institution, if in a foreign language
- Proof of financial means: bank statements
Common Questions
Do I need to translate my university transcripts for a Spanish student visa?
Yes, academic transcripts in a foreign language are typically required to be sworn-translated for a Spanish student visa application. This applies to both current transcripts and, in some cases, previous academic records.
My degree is from a university in a non-English-speaking country — does it still need translation?
Yes. Any academic document in a language other than Spanish will need a sworn translation. The requirement applies regardless of whether the original language is English, French, German, or any other foreign language.
Do I need to translate my acceptance letter from the Spanish university?
If the acceptance letter is in a language other than Spanish, yes. If the Spanish university issued the letter in Spanish, no translation is required.