Translation Services

Certified Translation for Official & Legal Documents

Updated: April 2026 · Written by the Apostilla Antecedentes team

Certified translations prepared for the identified receiving authority's requirements. We check the required language and certification before proceeding; the receiving authority decides final acceptance. We do not guarantee zero rejections.

  • Prepared to USCIS & Spanish authority requirements
  • Standard 1–2 day turnaround
  • All document types covered
  • Free document review
Laura Chen
Reviewed byLaura ChenLegal Document Expert

Our translation services

We offer a full range of certified translation services for individuals and businesses. Whether you need a single document translated for a visa application or ongoing legal translation support, we have you covered.

📜 Certified Translation General certified translations for official documents — immigration, courts, universities, and government agencies 🇪🇸 Sworn Translation for Spain Spain requires sworn (jurado) translators for immigration documents — learn the difference and why it matters 📋 Criminal Record Translation Certified translation of background check certificates for visa and residency applications ⚖️ Legal Document Translation Contracts, court orders, powers of attorney, birth and marriage certificates ✈️ Translation for Visa Applications All translations required for Spain, US, Schengen, and other visa applications 🏛️ Translation for Spain Every translation needed for Spain residency, visas, and regularization — certified and sworn

Who needs this service?

📄 Immigration & visa applicants

Visa applications to Spain, the US, Canada, and Schengen countries require certified translations of birth certificates, criminal records, diplomas, and more. We prepare translations for the requirements of the relevant immigration authority, which we identify before translating.

⚖️ Legal and court proceedings

Contracts, powers of attorney, court orders, and notarized documents often need certified translation when used across borders. Our legal translators are qualified; we check the certification format the hearing or proceeding requires where it is stated.

🎓 Academic credential recognition

Universities and professional licensing boards require certified translations of diplomas, transcripts, and degrees. We translate educational documents for recognition in the US, Spain, and other countries.

🏢 Corporate and business clients

Contracts, company documents, apostilles, and regulatory filings often require certified translation. We work with law firms, corporations, and government agencies on high-volume translation projects.

Why certified translation matters

Submitting a plain or uncertified translation to an immigration authority, court, or university can result in your application being rejected — sometimes without appeal. Certified translation ensures:

  • Legal acceptance — authorities know the translation was prepared by a qualified professional
  • Accuracy guarantee — the translator certifies that the translation is complete and faithful to the original
  • Official record — a certification statement with translator credentials is attached to every document
  • Document and translation requirements reviewed — our translations are prepared to meet the specific authority's published requirements, where they are stated

Real client translation cases

Illustrative examples based on common situations; names and details are changed.

DM
Democratic Memory Law – Name Typo

from USA to Spain

Apostille
The problem was…

An applicant for Spanish citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law had their mother's 40-year-old US Naturalization Certificate rejected because of a minor spelling error in her first name.

We solved it…

The applicant had to petition USCIS for a formal name correction, which can take months, and request an extension from the Spanish consulate.

Result

In this example, the fix is to correct the name through USCIS so the Spanish citizenship application can resume.

DM
Deferred Master's – Expired FBI Check

from USA to Spain

Apostille
The problem was…

A student deferred their Spanish master's program for a year and tried to reuse their previously apostilled FBI background check for the new visa application.

We solved it…

The consulate rejected it because the underlying criminal record check is only valid for 5 to 6 months from its original date of issuance.

Result

In this example, the fix is to obtain a new FBI check for the student visa application for the following year.

FF
FBI Fingerprint Card – Translation Required

from USA to Spain

Apostille
The problem was…

An applicant submitted an apostilled and translated FBI background check to the Spanish consulate, but it was rejected for missing a translation of the physical fingerprint card itself.

We solved it…

The applicant had to hire a sworn translator to translate the English text on the standard FBI FD-258 fingerprint card to meet the consulate's translation checklist.

Result

In this example, the refile would include a translation of the fingerprint card; some consulates require it.

View all cases →

Official sources & authorities

Information on this page is based on procedures from recognized government and intergovernmental bodies — not third-party estimates.

USCIS — Certified Translation Requirements US immigration requires certified translations for all foreign-language documents submitted with visa or residency applications. View source →
Spain Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Translation Requirements Spain requires certified translations by sworn translators for immigration and official document submissions. View source →
ATA — American Translators Association The ATA sets standards for certified translation quality in the United States. View source →

Related guides

Guide
When do you need a certified vs. notarized translation?Laura Chen · 2026
→Guide
Spain sworn translation: what it is and why it mattersLaura Chen · 2026
→

Related services

🇪🇸Sworn translation for SpainSpain-specific sworn (jurado) translation for immigration documents📋Criminal record certificate translationCertified translation of background check certificates⚖️Legal document translationContracts, court orders, powers of attorney, and certificates✈️Translation for visa applicationsAll translations needed for visa and residency applications
Laura Chen

Reviewed by

Laura Chen

Legal Document Expert

Specialist in documents for the English-speaking market with a focus on fast and secure processing.

View full profile →

Frequently asked questions

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator (or translation agency) attesting that the translation is accurate and complete. This is required by immigration authorities, courts, universities, and government agencies when submitting foreign-language documents.

What is the difference between certified and notarized translation?

A certified translation includes a translator's certification of accuracy. A notarized translation goes one step further — a notary public also witnesses and stamps the translator's signature. Some authorities (especially courts) require notarization in addition to certification.

What documents do you translate?

We translate birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, diplomas and transcripts, passports and IDs, contracts, powers of attorney, court orders, corporate documents, apostilles, and more.

How long does a certified translation take?

Most standard documents (1–4 pages) are completed within 1–2 business days. Rush delivery is available within 24 hours. Complex or lengthy legal documents may take 3–5 business days.

Will my certified translation be accepted by USCIS or Spanish authorities?

Certified translations are prepared for the identified receiving authority's requirements. We check the required language and certification — e.g. the certification required by 8 CFR 103.2 for USCIS, or a sworn translation for Spain — before proceeding; the receiving authority decides final acceptance. We do not guarantee zero rejections.

Do I need to send original documents?

In most cases, a clear scan or high-quality photo is sufficient for translation. We will let you know if the original is required. For apostilled documents, we translate from the complete apostilled set.

What languages do you work with?

We specialize in Spanish ↔ English translations but also work with Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Mandarin, and other major languages. Contact us if your language pair is not listed.

How much does a certified translation cost?

Pricing starts at $49 per standard page (up to 250 words). Most single documents (birth certificate, criminal record, diploma) fall in the $49–$99 range. Complex legal documents are quoted per project. Contact us for an exact quote.

Laura Chen
Laura Chen Legal Document Expert
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