Spanish consulate in Boston: translation requirements
Updated · Official sources checked
Short answer
A sworn translator appointed by Spain, or a local certified translator such as those listed by the American Translators Association. Only the sworn translation also works later at offices in Spain.
Who may translate
Sworn or certified; links to the ATA
Local certified translator accepted?
Yes
Criminal record
FBI only; max. 6 months; apostille
Medical certificate
Bilingual, in Spanish or translated; max. 3 months
What the Boston consulate asks for
| Topic | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Translations | “Sworn/certified translator”; bank statements and IRS returns “no need to be translated” | Official page |
| Criminal record | FBI only; max. 6 months; apostille | Official page |
| Medical certificate | Bilingual, in Spanish or translated; max. 3 months | Official page |
| Financial documents | Bank statements (3 months) and IRS returns (3 years): no translation | Official page |
| Who may translate | Sworn or certified; links to the ATA | Official page |
Documents with their own rule here
- Bank Statement (Non-Lucrative Visa): The Boston consulate asks for bank statements from the last three months and states they need no translation into Spanish for this visa.
- Tax Return (Non-Lucrative Visa): The Boston consulate asks for the last three years of IRS tax returns and states they need no translation into Spanish for this visa.
Before you order
- Applying at a US consulate: most name a certified translator for the visa itself. Only a sworn translation is also official once you file anything with an office in Spain.
- Apostille first, then the sworn translation, so the translation covers the apostilled document.
- Mind the clocks: criminal records no older than six months everywhere that states it, the medical certificate usually no older than three months.
Criminal record certificates
We are not taking criminal record certificates yet. Any sworn translator on the Ministry’s register can do it.
Questions
Juranza is a translation service, not a law firm, and nothing here is legal advice. Requirements published by Spanish consulates and immigration offices change without notice — always check your own consulate before submitting.
Does the Spanish consulate in Boston accept a certified translation?
Yes. It accepts a local certified translator, such as those listed by the American Translators Association, as well as a sworn translator appointed by Spain. Only the sworn translation also works later at offices in Spain.
Which criminal record certificate does the consulate in Boston ask for?
Its non-lucrative visa page says: FBI only; max. 6 months; apostille.