September 2025

Applying for a Spanish visa as a British citizen requires submitting several official documents, many of which need a sworn Spanish translation of police certificates for visa applications. Among the most important are police clearance certificates, which must be apostilled and translated by a sworn Spanish translator (traductor jurado) before they will be accepted by the Spanish authorities.

Sworn Spanish Translation of Police Certificate (ACRO)

The ACRO Police Certificate, issued by the Criminal Records Office (ACRO), is the most common document required for immigration and Spanish visa applications. It provides a record of any convictions or confirms that no criminal record exists.

• How to obtain it: Applications are made directly through the ACRO Criminal Records Office website. Standard service takes around 10 working days, while a premium service can provide the certificate in as little as 2 working days.
• Translation requirement: Once apostilled, the ACRO must be submitted with a sworn Spanish translation to be valid in Spain.

Sworn Spanish Translation of Police Certificate (ICPC)

The International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) is also issued by ACRO and is required if you will be working or volunteering with children abroad. Spanish authorities may specifically request it if your visa application involves childcare, teaching, or youth work.

• Example: British citizens hired as language assistants by the British Council in Spain must submit an ICPC as part of their visa application, as they will be working directly with minors.
• How to obtain it: The ICPC is requested online through ACRO and follows the same processing timelines as the ACRO Police Certificate.
• Translation requirement: Like the ACRO, the ICPC must be apostilled and then translated by a sworn Spanish translator (traductor jurado) to be accepted in Spain.

Apostille and Translation: Essential Steps

Before your police clearance certificates (ACRO or ICPC) can be used in Spain, they must go through two steps:

1. Apostille – Issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to certify the authenticity of the document.
2. Sworn Spanish Translation for Visa Application – Performed by a sworn Spanish translator (traductor jurado) accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only this type of translation is legally valid in Spain.

Note: When submitting your apostilled documents to your sworn Spanish translator, make sure that your certificate and apostille are fully legible and contained in one single pdf.

Why Sworn Spanish Translators Are Important

Sworn Spanish translators (traductores jurados) play a critical role in the visa application process because their translations are officially recognised by Spanish authorities. A standard translation will not suffice for legal or administrative purposes. Using a sworn translator ensures that your documents, such as ACRO or ICPC certificates, are accurately translated and formatted according to legal standards, reducing the risk of delays, rejections, or requests for additional documentation. Their certification guarantees authenticity and compliance, giving both you and the authorities confidence in your application.

Other Documents Requiring Sworn Spanish Translation

Depending on the type of visa, you may also need sworn Spanish translations of:

• Medical certificates
• Bank statements
• Employment or contractor agreements (ex. for Spanish digital nomad visas)
• Letters of consent to remote work (for Spanish digital nomad visas)
• Academic records
• Marriage or birth certificates

How I can help

I specialise in legal translation and sworn Spanish translation for visa applications, including ACRO Police Certificates, ICPCs, and other supporting documents, among other cross-border matters. As a professional sworn Spanish translator (traductor jurado), I ensure your translations meet the official standards required by Spanish authorities, helping you avoid unnecessary delays or rejections. You can check my credentials here.

Also, in order to avoid delays and save postage fees, digitally-signed sworn translations are being accepted by Consulates, Embassies and other public bodies. Order your digital sworn translation today.

For sworn Spanish translations of your police clearance certificates or any other Spanish visa documents, contact me via this contact form or at info@vprspanishtranslations.com.

USEFUL LINKS

https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/icp-certificates

https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/icp-certificates/icp-certificates-form

https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/form-help

https://www.hagueapostille.co.uk/