Does an NBI clearance need to be apostilled before translation for Spain?

Yes. The Philippine NBI clearance must be apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines before it is used in Spain. The apostille page must also be included in the sworn translation.

Does the NBI clearance need to be translated into Spanish for a visa application?

Yes. Spanish consulates and immigration authorities require a sworn Spanish translation of foreign police clearances, including the NBI clearance. An English version without a translation is not accepted.

Do NBI clearances expire?

NBI clearances are typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue, though some consulates may accept them for up to 12 months. Plan your timeline carefully — the clearance and its translation should both be obtained close to your submission date.

NBI Clearance Translation for Spain

Sworn translations of Philippine NBI clearances for Spanish visa, residency, and nationality applications — 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 NBI Clearance See Pricing & Process

What is the NBI clearance?

The NBI clearance is a background check issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines. It certifies that the holder has no pending criminal case or derogatory record on file with the NBI.

Philippine nationals applying for Spanish visas, long-term residency, or nationality are typically required to submit an NBI clearance as part of their criminal record documentation. Spanish authorities require a sworn Spanish translation of the document — an English version alone is not accepted.

When an NBI clearance translation is required

Non-lucrative visa applications
Digital nomad visa applications
Family reunification (reagrupación familiar)
Spanish nationality applications
Long-stay work visa applications
Residency renewal processes requiring criminal record documentation

Apostille: required before translation

The NBI clearance must be apostilled by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) before it can be used in Spain. The apostille validates the document internationally under the Hague Convention.

When sending your NBI clearance for translation, include the apostille page — it must be translated alongside the main document. If you have not yet obtained the apostille, you can begin the translation process, but the final submitted package must include the apostilled version.

Validity period — plan your timing carefully

NBI clearances are typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Some Spanish consulates may accept clearances valid for up to 12 months, but this varies. Plan your timeline carefully: both the clearance and its translation should be obtained close to your submission date.

If you are coordinating multiple documents for the same application, arrange the NBI clearance and translation last to avoid expiry.

What to send for a quote

A clear scan or PDF of the NBI clearance
The apostille page, if already attached
The visa type or process you are applying for
The consulate or authority you are submitting to

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

How it works

1
Send your document
Upload your NBI clearance (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

Does an NBI clearance need to be apostilled before translation for Spain?: Yes. The NBI clearance must be apostilled by the Philippine DFA. The apostille page must also be included in the sworn translation.
Does the NBI clearance need to be translated?: Yes. Spanish consulates and immigration authorities require a sworn Spanish translation. The English document alone is not accepted.
Do NBI clearances expire?: Yes, typically within 6 months of issue. Some consulates may accept longer validity, but plan your timeline carefully — arrange the clearance and translation close to your submission date.
How long does an NBI clearance translation take?: Most NBI clearance translations are completed within 1–2 business days. 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.
Is the translation accepted by Spanish consulates?: Yes. Sworn translations by an officially appointed translator are accepted by Spanish consulates and immigration authorities.
What if I need other documents translated at the same time?: Multiple documents for the same application can be quoted together. Mention all documents when submitting your quote request.
Do PSA birth or marriage certificates also need translation for Spain?: Yes. If PSA certificates are part of your visa or residency application, they should also be sworn-translated if not already in Spanish. They may also need to be apostilled first. See the related services below.
Is a certified translation enough for Spain?: No. Spanish authorities require a sworn translation prepared by a sworn translator officially appointed in Spain. A general certified translation from a translation agency is not the same format and will not be accepted in place of a sworn translation. Learn the difference.