- Sworn translation · Residency & visas
Sworn Translation for Spanish Residency and Visa Applications
Applying for a Spanish visa, TIE or residency? If you have been asked for sworn translations of documents in English into Spanish, I can help.
I’m Rosa Sánchez Montoya, a sworn English translator appointed by Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, registration No. 3189.
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documents
Documents that may need translation for your residency application
Spanish immigration authorities, National Police and consulates only accept foreign documents when they come with a sworn translation into Spanish.
These are the ones I translate most often for the residency process.
Criminal record certificates (ACRO/DBS)
The clean criminal record from your country of origin, apostilled, translated into Spanish. Required for the first non-lucrative visa, the digital nomad visa, family reunification and most first-time residency permits.
Birth certificate
A full birth certificate or extract, depending on the authority’s requirements. These may be needed for family reunification, Spanish nationality or civil registry, marriage in Spain, registering a foreign-born child with the Spanish civil registry and several residency applications.
Marriage certificate
Foreign marriage certificate, apostilled, translated for family reunification, spouse residency, nationality by residency or registering the marriage with the Spanish civil registry.
Proof of financial means and pension
UK State Pension letters, private pension statements, employer income letters and bank statements. Frequently required for non-lucrative visas, retirement residency and renewals where you need to prove sufficient means to support yourself in Spain.
Private health insurance
UK State Pension letters, private pension statements, employer income letters and bank statements. Frequently required for non-lucrative visas, retirement residency and renewals where you need to prove sufficient means to support yourself in Spain.
NIE & TIE
The NIE is a foreigner identification number; the TIE is a residence card issued to certain foreign nationals. They are not the same as a visa or residence permit application. Translation and interpreting needs depend on the particular procedure.
Any other document in your file
Adoption records, custody agreements, university degrees, medical certificates, apostilled affidavits, court rulings, wills. If it's in your file and it's in English, I can certify the translation.
Not sure which documents your file needs?
about me
Rosa Sánchez Montoya, sworn translator No. 3189
I've spent years translating for British and other English-speaking residents on the Costa Blanca as they applied for their first residency, brought a family member over or applied for Spanish nationality.
That means when you send me your documents, I already know what the Consulate in UK or the Extranjería in Alicante expects, in what format and which sections a caseworker will focus on.
When you contact me, you deal directly with me. I answer your first message, review the documents, prepare the translation and hand it to you signed and stamped legally.
If you also need me at the notary or the police station, I can attend as your sworn interpreter.
legal validity
Why sworn translation, not just any translation
In Spain, only translators appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) can produce a translation with legal validity before the Administration.
The stamp and signature you're paying for are what make Immigration, the Extranjería and the Consulate accept the translation without hesitation. Without them, the file gets rejected and the appointment missed.
You can verify any sworn translator's appointment on the Ministry's own public list. My registration is No. 3189, English.
the process
Get your residence documents translated
01
Send me the documents via WhatsApp or email
Word or PDF is fine. Then we check if you're applying for non-lucrative visa, TIE, family reunification, nationality… and the date of your appointment, if you already have one.
02
Document review and quote
I check that everything is in order or if you need something. Public documents are apostilled, that certificates are the version the Administration expects (long form when needed), and that nothing is missing. Then I´ll send you a quote and expected delivery date.
03
I deliver the sworn translation, ready to submit
Receive a digitally signed PDF by email, or arrange a paper original for collection or delivery. Check the receiving authority’s submission requirements before choosing a format.
for professionals
Sworn translation for law firms, estate agents and gestorías
If you process residency, visa or property files for English-speaking clients on a regular basis, I cover the sworn translation side of your work.
I have experience working with law firms, notaries, consultancy firms and other businesses that need sworn translations, and can coordinate directly with the team handling the file.
- Direct coordination with your team
- Priority to recurring clients
- Delivery dates agreed for each project, subject to availability
- Confidential handling of your clients' documentation and personal data
- Sworn translator No. 3189
- Optional in-person interpretation at the notary or the police station when the file calls for it
orihuela costa
Your sworn translator in Orihuela Costa
You can send me your documents and receive your quote and completed translation wherever you are in Spain or abroad. If you prefer to bring them in person or collect stamped paper originals, you can visit me at my office in Orihuela Costa.
Tradusan, Rosa Mª Sánchez Montoya
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00–19:00
faqs
Frequently asked questions about residence in Spain and translations
Do I need to apostille my documents before you translate them?
Yes, in most cases. Foreign public documents need to be legalised with the Hague Apostille first, and then translated.
Is a digital PDF accepted, or do I need paper originals?
Both are valid. Sworn translations issued as digital PDF signed with a qualified electronic signature are officially accepted by Spanish public bodies. In practice, some consulates and civil registries still prefer paper.
How long does it take?
For standard documents like criminal record, birth certificate, marriage certificate or a supporting document or two usually 3 to 5 working days from receiving the documents. If you have an appointment coming up, tell me the date when you send the files and I'll confirm availability before I quote.
Do you translate documents from other languages, or only English?
My MAEC appointment is for English into Spanish and Spanish into English. For files that include documents in other languages I can coordinate with other MAEC-appointed sworn translators I work with so you receive the whole package from a single point of contact.
Do you work with clients across Spain, or only in Alicante?
Across Spain and abroad. Documents are sent by WhatsApp or email; the sworn translation goes back digitally or by post. I attend appointments in person only in the Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja and Vega Baja area.
contact
Get in touch with Rosa
Send me a few details about the translation or interpreting service you need. I’ll review your request personally and get back within the next 48h hours or less.
Tradusan, Rosa Mª Sánchez Montoya
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00–19:00