When These Police Certificate Translations Are Needed

Criminal record certificates are commonly required for Spanish visa, residency, nationality, and other official administrative procedures. In many cases, Spain asks for certificates not only from your passport country, but from the country or countries where you have lived during the relevant period.

That is why many applicants need a police certificate translation from a country where they previously lived, worked, or studied, even if that country is not their country of citizenship.

Different Countries Use Different Document Names

One of the most common points of confusion is that the document is not called the same thing everywhere. Depending on the country, it may be called a police certificate, police clearance certificate, criminal record check, national police certificate, or a similar variation.

The important point is not the exact wording, but whether the document is the official criminal record or police clearance document issued by the correct authority in that country.

Country-Specific Police Certificate Translations

Canada — Criminal Record Check

Sworn Translation Spain translates Canadian criminal record checks and related police certificate documents for use in Spain. These are commonly needed for residence visas, nationality files, and other official procedures.

Australia — National Police Certificate

Sworn Translation Spain translates Australian National Police Certificates for Spain, including certificates obtained for immigration, work abroad, and official administrative use.

New Zealand — Criminal Record Check

Sworn Translation Spain translates New Zealand criminal record checks and criminal conviction history documents for official use in Spain.

Ireland — Police Certificate

Sworn Translation Spain translates Irish Police Certificates for Spain. This is especially helpful for applicants who need the correct document for immigration or visa procedures.

South Africa — Police Clearance Certificate

Sworn Translation Spain translates South African Police Clearance Certificates for Spanish visa, residency, and nationality procedures.

Other English-Speaking Countries

If your certificate comes from another English-speaking country, Alba can usually review it and confirm whether it appears to be the correct official police or criminal record document for Spain.


What to Send

To get a quote and start your translation, send:

  • The certificate itself — the full police certificate or criminal record document, not only the first page
  • All attached pages — cover pages, explanatory pages, fingerprint pages, or any other page issued as part of the document set
  • The apostille or legalisation page — if your certificate has an apostille or legalisation attached, include that page too so the full set can be reviewed together

Police certificates are official documents, and they are often tied to strict submission requirements. Names, dates, seals, signatures, issue dates, and apostille pages can all matter in Spanish procedures. Sending the complete document set helps avoid delays or problems when preparing the sworn translation.

How It Works

Send Your Document

Email a clear scan or PDF of the police certificate and any attached pages.

Receive a Quote

You get clear pricing and turnaround before anything begins. Fixed per-page pricing, no hidden fees.

Translation Is Prepared

Your sworn translation is completed personally by Alba for official use in Spain.

Receive Your Translation

You receive a digitally signed and stamped PDF ready to present where needed. You only pay once it has been delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need a Sworn Translation for Spain?

Choose the service that fits your documents, see the fixed pricing, and start your request with Alba directly.