Sworn Translations of Documents to Get Married in Spain

The demand for sworn translations of documents to get married in Spain continues to grow. British citizens who own a property in Spain may want to get married in the sunshine. Equally, a British citizen and a Spanish citizen may meet and live in the UK but decide to get married in Spain.

The bride and groom must always check with the Spanish authorities (either the Spanish Consulate in London) or the relevant registry in Spain what documents are required.

In most cases, the following English documents will be needed:

• The birth certificate of the bride and/or the groom
• A certificate of no impediment to marriage – the relevant registry in the UK will issue this certificate which confirms that there are no objections to the proposed marriage
• A letter issued by the council which confirms the address of the British national(s) – a Notary Public may have to prepare a notarial certificate which will enclose the letter or a copy
• If the bride and/or groom were divorced, the decree absolute may be needed.

The documents above must be affixed with the Apostille. These documents together with their sworn translations into Spanish will be submitted to the relevant Spanish authorities.

A sworn translation into English of the marriage certificate issued in Spain will be needed to apply for a new passport in the UK.

Only sworn translators are authorised to certify sworn translations. In Spain sworn translators are appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. A sworn translation certified by a sworn translator, appointed by the Spanish Ministry, does not need to bear the Apostille.