When do I need a divorce decree translated for Spain?

A translated divorce decree is commonly required for nationality applications, civil registry updates (to reflect divorced status in Spain), remarriage in Spain, inheritance proceedings, and some visa applications where marital status must be documented.

Does a divorce decree need an apostille before it can be translated for Spain?

For most official uses in Spain, yes. The apostille authenticates the court document internationally, and the apostille page must be included in the sworn translation. If your apostille is still being processed, translation can begin in the meantime.

Do I need to translate the entire divorce decree or just the final order?

It is best to include the complete document — the court order, decree absolute, or equivalent full judgment. If you are unsure what to send, include everything received from the court and guidance will be provided with the quote.

Divorce Decree Translation for Spain

Sworn translations of divorce decrees and court orders for Spanish civil registry, nationality, remarriage, and inheritance procedures — fixed per-page pricing, digitally signed, handled personally by Alba.

€37 per page standard rate
€55 per page 12-hour rush service
Typical turnaround: 24–72 hours
Pay after delivery
Digitally signed and stamped PDF
Personally handled by Alba Fernández Carrasco

Translate My Divorce Decree See Pricing & Process

Why divorce decrees need a sworn translation for Spain

If you are divorced and need to interact with Spanish authorities — whether for a nationality application, civil registry update, remarriage, or inheritance proceeding — you will need to provide a sworn Spanish translation of your divorce decree or judgment.

Spanish courts, notaries, and civil registries do not accept unofficial or certified translations. The translation must be produced by a translator officially appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

When a divorce decree translation is required

Spanish nationality applications (to confirm civil status)
Civil registry updates after a foreign divorce
Remarriage in Spain for foreign nationals
Pareja de hecho registrations where prior marriage must be documented
Inheritance proceedings involving a divorced status
Visa or residency applications requiring marital status evidence

What to include — the full decree, not just the final page

Divorce documents issued by foreign courts vary in length and format. Some are a single page; others run to many pages. Spanish authorities typically require the full court order or judgment — not just the final page or a summary extract.

If you are unsure which pages are relevant, include everything you received from the court. The quote response will include guidance if any pages appear unnecessary or if anything is missing.

Does the divorce decree need an apostille?

For most official uses in Spain, yes. The apostille is issued by the competent authority in the country where the divorce was granted, and it validates the court document for international use. The apostille page must also be included in the sworn translation.

If your apostille is still being processed, translation can begin in the meantime — but the final package submitted to Spanish authorities must include the apostilled version.

What to send for a quote

A clear scan or PDF of the full divorce decree or judgment
The apostille page, if already attached
Any related court orders included in the same proceeding
A note on which process or authority the translation is for

You don't need to send the original. A scan is sufficient for both quoting and completing the translation.

How it works

1
Send your document
Upload the divorce decree (and apostille if available) via the quote form.
2
Receive a fixed quote
A clear per-page price with no surprises — typically within one business day.
3
Translation completed by Alba
Alba translates and certifies the document personally. No agency handoffs.
4
Digitally signed PDF delivered
You receive the sworn translation as a digitally signed PDF, ready for submission. Payment is made after delivery.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need a divorce decree translated for Spain?: A translated divorce decree is commonly required for nationality applications, civil registry updates, remarriage in Spain, pareja de hecho registrations, inheritance proceedings, and visa applications where marital status must be documented.
Does a divorce decree need an apostille before translation?: For most official uses in Spain, yes. The apostille page must also be included in the sworn translation. If your apostille is still being processed, translation can begin — but the final submitted package must include it.
Do I need to translate the entire document?: Yes — it's best to include the full court order or judgment. Spanish authorities typically require the complete document, not a summary or extract. If you're unsure what's relevant, include everything and guidance will be provided with the quote.
How long does a divorce decree translation take?: Most are completed within 2–3 business days. Longer documents may take slightly longer. Urgent turnaround is available. See the Pricing & Process page.
Can I send a scan or does it need to be the original?: A clear scan or PDF is sufficient. The sworn translation is delivered as a digitally signed PDF — you do not need to post the original.
Will the translation be accepted by the Registro Civil or Spanish notary?: Yes. Sworn translations by an officially appointed translator are accepted by Spanish civil registries, notaries, courts, and consulates.
What if the decree is in a language other than English?: French, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan, Galician, and other languages are handled. Mention the source language in your quote request.
What if the divorce decree includes child custody orders?: All pages of the decree are included in the translation. If only a specific section is required by the Spanish authority, this can be discussed at the quote stage.