Why Apostille Translations Matter for EU & Latin America
Apostille Alone May Not Be Enough
If you're submitting U.S. documents to a country in the European Union or Latin America, there's a good chance you'll need more than just an apostille. Many of these countries require translations of your original documents and even of the apostille itself. Submitting untranslated paperwork could result in delays or outright rejection.
Apostille Translations: What Are They?
An apostille translation refers to an official translation of both:
The original document (e.g. birth certificate, diploma, background check)
The apostille certificate that authenticates it
Depending on the country, this translation must be either:
Certified Translation: Accepted in most Latin American countries and many EU nations
Sworn Translation: Required in countries like Spain, France, and Brazil, where translators are court-approved and registered
Common Documents That Require Apostille + Translation
Birth & Marriage Certificates: Required for citizenship, marriage, or residency
Academic Transcripts & Diplomas: Needed for school admission or professional licensing
FBI Background Checks: Often required for work permits and visas
Single Status Affidavits: Used in foreign marriage applications
Power of Attorney: Needed to act on your behalf in legal matters abroad
Country-Specific Translation Requirements
Spain: Requires both the document and apostille to be translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
Brazil: Accepts sworn translations from a translator registered in Brazil.
Argentina: Requires certified translations, often accompanied by legalization from a certified public translator.
France: Prefers sworn translations for most civil status documents used in government offices.
How to Know What Kind of Translation You Need
Requirements vary by country and even by institution. Here’s how to make sure you're compliant:
Contact the local embassy or consulate of the destination country.
Ask the requesting agency or school abroad what kind of translation is required.
If you're unsure, we can help guide you based on past experience, but final requirements must come from the receiving authority.
Why Choose Us?
Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Docs simplify the translation process by offering:
Certified Translations accepted in most countries
Sworn Translations for countries that require court-approved translators
Fast turnaround times with digital delivery and hard copies as needed
Translation + apostille bundling, so your documents are properly sequenced and delivered
We work with documents issued in all 50 states and provide translations in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and more.
Don’t Let a Missing Translation Delay Your International Plans
Whether you're applying for dual citizenship, studying abroad, or getting married overseas, make sure your translated documents meet the legal standards of the country you're dealing with. We’re here to help you get it done right, and on time.
