Sworn Translation for Pakistani Documents in Spain
If you are going through a Spanish immigration or administrative procedure and need to submit Pakistani documents, those documents will usually need to be officially translated into Spanish. This guide covers which documents are most commonly required, the language situation for Pakistani documents, and how the sworn translation process works with Alba.
Pakistan has a significant community in Spain, with many people going through procedures such as regularization, work permits, and family reunification. Official documents from Pakistan must be 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 Pakistani Documents Are Commonly Needed for Spain
The following documents are among those most often requested in Spanish immigration and administrative procedures:
- Police Character Certificate — issued by district police offices or the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Typically required for visa and regularization applications.
- Birth certificate — required for family reunification and civil registration procedures.
- CNIC / B-Form — the national identity card issued by NADRA. Sometimes requested as an identity document.
- Marriage certificate (Nikah Nama) — required for family reunification and spouse-related procedures.
- Divorce documents — court-issued documents confirming dissolution of marriage.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates — required for work permits in regulated professions or degree recognition.
- Employment letters and salary slips — may be required for work permit or family reunification applications.
- Bank statements — may be requested to demonstrate financial means.
Language Note: Urdu and English in Pakistani Documents
Pakistani official documents are frequently bilingual, containing both Urdu and English text. Some documents — such as Police Character Certificates — often include a substantive English section. Others, such as the Nikah Nama, are typically issued in Urdu only.
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 the English portions of bilingual Pakistani documents. If your document is entirely in Urdu, you will need to obtain an official English translation from a Pakistan-certified translator first. Once an English version is available, Alba can prepare the sworn translation into Spanish.
If you are unsure whether your document has enough English content to translate directly, send a scan and Alba will let you know.
Alba can help with the sworn translation portion of the process. She does not provide legal or immigration advice.
Apostille for Pakistani Documents
Pakistan is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means that the standard apostille process used by many other countries does not apply.
Instead, Pakistani documents intended for use abroad may require authentication through Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and, in some cases, through the Spanish Embassy or consulate. Requirements vary depending on the procedure and the receiving authority in Spain.
Requirements vary by authority, office, and date. Always check the current official instructions before having your documents attested or authenticated.
Common Procedures in Spain That Require Translated Pakistani Documents
- Regularization / arraigo — Spain’s 2026 extraordinary regularization (deadline 30 June 2026) may require civil documents from Pakistan. Up to 500,000 people in Spain may be eligible.
- 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.
What to Send
Send a clear scan of the full document — all pages, including any attached authentication stamps from MOFA 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 which pages are in English and can be translated, 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 Pakistani documents in English?
Many are bilingual. Police Character Certificates often have a clear English section. NADRA-issued documents may have English text. The Nikah Nama is typically in Urdu only. If you are unsure, send a scan and Alba will assess what can be translated directly.
What about the Urdu text?
Alba translates from English to Spanish only. Urdu text cannot be translated directly. For documents that are solely in Urdu, an official English translation from a certified translator in Pakistan is needed first.
Does MOFA attestation replace an apostille?
Pakistan is not part of the Hague Convention, so apostilles are not available. MOFA attestation followed by Spanish Embassy authentication may serve a similar function, but requirements vary. Always confirm what the receiving authority in Spain requires.
Can I send a scanned PDF?
Yes. A clear, complete scan is sufficient for the sworn translation. Originals are not required.
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.