Which documents need a sworn translation for a Spanish student visa?
Spanish consulates only accept translations done by a 'traductor jurado', a sworn translator authorised by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). For a student visa you typically translate the ACRO police certificate, the medical certificate, and their apostilles, at roughly £30-£80 per document. A normal translation agency or a fluent friend does not count, no matter how accurate the translation.
What makes a translation 'sworn'
A sworn translator is personally certified by the Spanish state; their stamp and signature make the translation legally valid in Spain. The official list is published on the MAEC website. Many work remotely, so you can email scans and receive certified translations by post or email within days.
Order of operations
Apostille first, translate second. The translation must include the apostille stamp, so translating before legalisation means paying for the document twice. The right sequence is: document arrives, FCDO apostille, then everything to the sworn translator in one batch.
Typical costs
- £30-£80 per document, depending on length and translator
- ACRO certificate + apostille and medical certificate + apostille is the usual batch for students
- Turnaround is commonly 2-10 days; ask before booking your visa appointment
Streamline the whole process
Visado puts every step in the right order for your course date and walks you through them one at a time. Nothing missed, nothing late.
Start my free planFrequently asked
Can any translator translate my visa documents for Spain?
No. Only sworn translators (traductores jurados) on Spain's official MAEC list are accepted by consulates.
Do apostilles need translating too?
Yes. The sworn translation must cover the apostille stamp as well as the document, which is why you apostille first.
How much do sworn translations cost?
Roughly £30-£80 per document as an estimate; longer documents cost more.