Spanish Digital Nomad Visa: What Documents Need an Apostille/Translation?

A common question in our Facebook group is about apostilles and sworn translations for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. We get it – this part can be confusing because the rules often change! This article will simplify the process, guiding you through obtaining your apostilles and certified translations. Understanding these requirements upfront will streamline your application and prevent unnecessary delays.

Just a heads-up: We last checked this info on September 18, 2025, but things can change without warning. Sometimes, even if a document usually doesn't need an apostille or sworn translation, the UGE might still ask for one. 

What is an Apostille?

Ever wondered how to make your important documents valid in another country? An apostille is your answer! Born from the Hague Convention of 1961, this special certification is like a global stamp of approval, making it super easy to verify your document's authenticity internationally.

What does an apostille do?

• It confirms that the signature on your document is real.
• It verifies the seal on the document.
• It assures the position of the public official who signed it.

What is a Spanish Sworn Translation?

A Spanish sworn translation, or "traducción jurada," is an officially certified translation of a document completed by a translator authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It’s a crucial step for ensuring your document is legally recognized in Spain.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Document List

Documents Requiring an Apostille

• Police Record Certificate (required for the country where you've been a resident for the past two years)
• Certificate of Good Standing (for your client or employer)
• Marriage Certificate/Birth Certificates (required only if you are bringing your spouse or children).
• University degree (NEW in 2024)
• Tax/Social Security documents proving work experience (NEW in 2024)
• Social Security Certificates of Coverage (with the exception of the UK A1 - see below)

Except for the police report, any of the documents mentioned above issued within the EU generally shouldn’t need an apostille if they’re a special type of EU multilingual document called the "Multilingual Standard Form." These documents are recognized across EU member states and are meant to make cross-border admin tasks easier, removing the need for an apostille.

For non-EU citizens, however, police record certificates from the EU still require an apostille, as the EU directive removing apostilles doesn’t cover them.

As for the UK A1 certificate, it’s usually accepted in practice without an apostille since it’s an EU document that dates back to pre-Brexit times. However, when asked, the UGE have said that it should be apostilled and sworn translated. Move to Spain Guide have submitted hundreds without apostille/translation with no issue. 

Documents Requiring Sworn Translations

• Police Record Certificate (for the country where you've been living for the past two years)
• Certificate of Good Standing
• Marriage Certificate/Birth Certificates (only if you are bringing your spouse or children)
• The apostilles for any of the above documents if not in Spanish
• Your qualification (university/college degree) if applicable
• Client/Employment Contract
• Client/Employer Letter
• Letters proving 3 years of work experience
• Tax/Social Security documents proving work experience (NEW in 2024)
• Social Security Certificates of Coverage

Our recommended service for sworn translations is Translayte. 

Documents NOT Requiring Apostille or Sworn Translations

• Passport: A copy of every page of your passport.
• Application Form (Mi_T)
• CV (must be written in Spanish)
• Bank Statements
• A1 form 
• S1 form
• Payslips
• Invoices

Note that occasionally the UGE will ask for a sworn translation for these other documents, but will usually give you 10 working days to do it. 

Apply For The Digital Nomad Visa with Move To Spain Guide

Maximise your chances of success! We’ve been there right from the beginning, having processed around 1000 successful applications.