Sworn Translation for Nepali Documents in Spain

The Nepali community in Spain has been growing, with many people going through regularization, work permit, and family reunification procedures. Each of these typically requires official documents from Nepal in Spanish to be accepted by Spanish authorities.

Requirements vary by authority, office, and date. Always check the current official instructions for your specific procedure.

Which Nepali Documents Are Commonly Needed

The following documents are among those most often requested in Spanish immigration and administrative procedures:

• Police Clearance Certificate — issued by Nepal Police. Certificates issued for international use are sometimes available with an English version. Typically required for visa and regularization applications.
• Birth certificate — issued by local authorities, Village Development Committees (VDC), or municipal offices. Usually issued in Nepali.
• Marriage certificate — required for family reunification and related procedures. Typically in Nepali.
• Divorce documents — court-issued documents confirming dissolution of marriage.
• Citizenship certificate (Nagarikta) — the primary identity document for Nepali citizens. Issued in Nepali.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates — required for work permits in regulated professions or degree recognition. University-level documents may be available in English.
• Employment letters — may be required for work permit applications.

Language Note: Nepali Documents and English Versions

Nepal’s official language is Nepali, written in the Devanagari script. Most civil documents — such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and citizenship certificates — are issued in Nepali only.

However, Police Clearance Certificates issued specifically for use abroad may be issued with an English version, or an English translation can sometimes be requested from Nepal Police. Some academic institutions also issue degree certificates and transcripts in English.

Alba Fernández Carrasco is a sworn translator-interpreter for English and Spanish, appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC), Commission No. 8981. She translates from English to Spanish only.

She can translate Nepali documents that are in English or include an English version. If your document is only in Nepali, you will need to obtain an official English translation from a certified translator based in Nepal first. Once you have an English version, Alba can prepare the sworn translation into Spanish.

Alba can help with the sworn translation portion of the process. She does not provide legal or immigration advice.

Authentication of Nepali Documents

Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means that the apostille process used by many other countries is not available for Nepali documents.

Documents intended for official use in Spain typically need to go through Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for authentication, and may also need to be legalized by the Spanish Embassy or consulate in Nepal or the region. The specific requirements depend on the procedure and the receiving authority in Spain.

Requirements vary by authority, office, and date. Always confirm what is required with the authority that will receive your application before having documents authenticated.

Common Spanish Procedures That May Need Nepali Document Translations

• Regularization / arraigo — Spain’s 2026 extraordinary regularization (deadline 30 June 2026) may require civil documents such as birth certificates. Up to 500,000 people in Spain may be eligible, including Nepali nationals who meet the residency requirements.
• Work permits — employment and identity documents may need official translation.
• Family reunification — birth and marriage certificates are typically required in Spanish.
• Student visas — academic documents may need sworn translation.
• Residence permit applications — various documents may be required depending on the type of permit.

What to Send

Send a clear scan of the full document — all pages, including any authentication stamps from Nepal’s MFA or the Spanish Embassy. A digital PDF or high-quality photo is sufficient. You do not need to mail originals.

Alba will review the document, confirm whether the English content is sufficient for translation, and provide the page count and total price before starting. You receive a digitally signed and stamped sworn translation PDF by email. Payment is made after delivery.

• Standard rate: €37 per page
• Rush rate: €55 per page for 12-hour delivery (when available)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nepali documents in English?

Most are not. Nepal’s official documents are in Nepali (Devanagari). The main exception is the Police Clearance Certificate for international use, which may be issued with an English version. Some university transcripts and degree certificates are also available in English. If you are unsure, send a scan and Alba will confirm.

What if my document is only in Nepali?

An official English translation from a certified translator in Nepal is needed first. Once you have it, Alba can prepare the sworn translation into Spanish for official use in Spain.

What is the process for authentication?

Nepal is not in the Hague Apostille Convention. Authentication through Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Spanish Embassy may be required. Requirements differ by procedure and receiving authority — always confirm before starting.

Can you translate a citizenship certificate?

Nepal’s citizenship certificate is in Nepali. If you have an official English translation prepared by a certified translator in Nepal, Alba can translate that into Spanish as a sworn translation for official use in Spain.

How fast is delivery?

Standard delivery is typically within a few business days. Rush delivery (12-hour turnaround) is available at €55 per page when Alba’s schedule allows.