Spanish consulate in Houston: 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
Certified; links to the ATA
Local certified translator accepted?
Yes
Criminal record
FBI only; max. 6 months; federal apostille
Medical certificate
Bilingual; max. 3 months
What the Houston consulate asks for
| Topic | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Translations | “Translated into Spanish by a certified translator” | Official page |
| Criminal record | FBI only; max. 6 months; federal apostille | Official page |
| Medical certificate | Bilingual; max. 3 months | Official page |
| Financial documents | 12 months of statements (5 for retirees) and a 31 December balance; translation not stated | Official page |
| Who may translate | Certified; links to the ATA | Official page |
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 Houston 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 Houston ask for?
Its non-lucrative visa page says: FBI only; max. 6 months; federal apostille.