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 15 June 2026, 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
- Tax/Social Security documents proving work experience
- Proof of Self-employment (if applicable).
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. (Update June 2026: we now recommend getting an apostille for EU multi-lingual documents - although it shouldn't be necessary, we've been asked a few times...)
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 Certificates of Coverage/A1 certificates, they are usually accepted without an apostille. However, very occasionally the UGE will ask for an apostille.
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 even if multilingual (as normally there are a few words that aren't translated)
- 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
- Proof of Self-Employment.
Documents (usually) 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 Certificate
- 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.
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