Sworn Translation for International Students in Spain
If you are an international student applying for a Spanish study permit, student visa, or academic recognition, some of your documents will need to be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. This guide covers which documents are commonly required and how the process works.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for students from outside Spain who are applying for a Spanish student visa or study permit, or who need their foreign qualifications recognised in Spain through homologación or equivalencia.
It is particularly relevant for applicants from countries where official documents are commonly issued in English, including:
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal
- Philippines, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa
- United Kingdom, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- Turkey, Morocco (for English-language documents)
- Any other country where the original document is in English
Alba translates from English into Spanish only. If your document is in another language, it falls outside the scope of her services.
Which Documents Commonly Need Sworn Translation
The documents required vary by procedure and consulate. Documents that are commonly translated for student visa and academic recognition applications include:
- Diplomas and degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Enrollment or admission letters from Spanish universities or language schools
- Background checks and police clearances from your home country
- Medical certificates
- Birth certificates
- Financial support letters
- Scholarship award letters
Requirements vary by consulate, authority, office, and date. Always check the current official instructions for your specific procedure.
Homologación and Equivalencia: Why Sworn Translation Is Essential
Homologación and equivalencia are the two main processes by which Spain recognises foreign academic qualifications through the Ministry of Education.
Both processes require that foreign degree certificates and academic transcripts be submitted as sworn translations — that is, translations prepared by a translator officially appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A regular professional translation, a certified translation from a translation agency, or a notarised translation from outside Spain is not the same as a Spanish sworn translation and will not meet the requirement.
If you are planning to apply for homologación or equivalencia and your degree was issued in English, sworn translation is a required step in the process.
Student Visa Sworn Translation Requirements
Adult applicants for a Spanish student visa or study permit typically need to provide a background check from their home country. For many nationalities, this must carry an apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish.
A medical certificate may also be required to show you do not have a public health risk condition. If this certificate is issued in English, it may also need sworn translation.
The precise requirements depend on your consulate, your nationality, and the type of permit you are applying for. Requirements vary by consulate, authority, office, and date. Always check the current official instructions.
Documents Alba Can Translate
Alba translates English-language documents into Spanish. She can translate documents issued in English from:
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal
- Philippines, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa
- United Kingdom, Ireland
- United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- Any other country where the document itself is issued in English
Alba can help with the sworn translation portion of the process. She does not provide legal or immigration advice.
Practical Process
The process is straightforward:
- Scan your documents (a clear digital scan is enough — originals do not need to be mailed)
- Send the scans to Alba via the quote form
- Alba confirms the page count and the total price
- You approve and she begins the translation
- You receive a digitally signed and stamped sworn translation PDF by email
- You pay after delivery
Standard rate: €37 per page. Rush (12-hour) rate: €55 per page when available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sworn translation for homologación?
Yes. Spain’s Ministry of Education requires sworn translations of foreign degree certificates and academic transcripts when you apply for homologación or equivalencia. A regular professional translation is not sufficient.
My diploma is in English — can you translate it?
Yes. Alba translates from English into Spanish. If your diploma or transcript is issued in English, she can provide an official sworn translation for use in Spain.
Do I need an apostille before translation?
For many official procedures in Spain, yes. The typical order is: obtain the apostille on the original document, then send the full document (including apostille) for sworn translation. Always check the current requirements for your specific procedure and consulate.
How long does it take?
Standard delivery is typically a few business days depending on document volume. A 12-hour rush option is available when possible at €55 per page. Contact Alba to confirm current availability.
What if my transcript has multiple pages?
Each page is counted and priced individually at €37 per page. Send a clear scan of all pages and Alba will confirm the exact page count before you approve anything.