Visa Documents

Marriage Certificate for Spain Visa: Apostille, Translation, and Requirements

If you're applying for a Spanish visa as a family unit — including your spouse or civil partner — you'll need to provide a valid marriage certificate. But a simple copy isn't enough. It needs to be the official version, apostilled, and in most cases, sworn translated into Spanish. Here's exactly what's required.

Which Type of Marriage Certificate?

There are different types of marriage certificate in the UK, and Spanish consulates are specific about which they require:

In the UK, full marriage certificates are available from the General Register Office (GRO) or from the register office where the marriage took place.

For US applicants, a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the state vital records office is required.

Apostille: What It Is and How to Get It

The apostille authenticates your marriage certificate for use in Spain. Without it, the document is not recognised.

UK applicants: Contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) apostille service. You can apply by post or through a local solicitor. Current processing time is 2–3 weeks; expedited services are available. Cost: approximately £30–£50.

US applicants: Contact the Secretary of State office in the state where your marriage certificate was issued. Each state has its own process and fees.

Australian applicants: Contact DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) for the apostille service.

Sworn Translation

Your apostilled marriage certificate must be accompanied by a sworn translation (traducción jurada) into Spanish. The translation must be performed by a translator officially recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the UK, the Spanish Embassy maintains a list of certified translators.

Typical translation cost: £50–£120 per document. Turnaround: 2–5 business days.

Civil Partnerships

Spain recognises civil partnerships. A civil partnership certificate needs to be treated in the same way — full certificate, apostilled, and sworn translated. Note that the terminology may differ by country; ensure the document clearly states the nature of the legal relationship.

Expiry and Recency

Marriage certificates don't 'expire', but some consulates request that official copies be issued within a certain period before the application (often within three months). Check your specific consulate's requirements. If your marriage took place many years ago, you may still need to obtain a freshly issued certified copy rather than using an older one.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

You need an apostilled, translated marriage certificate whenever you're including a spouse in a Spanish visa application. For TIE card applications and renewals in Spain, the requirements may differ — check with your local Oficina de Extranjería.

If your marriage certificate is in a language other than Spanish, you still need a sworn translation into Spanish regardless of the original language. The apostille requirement applies to most countries outside Spain.

If you were married in a country outside the UK/your home country, the apostille process depends on where the certificate was issued. Marriage certificates issued by foreign countries need to be apostilled by the relevant country's authority (not the UK FCDO). The subsequent sworn translation requirement into Spanish remains the same.

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