Your route from Accra: 1. Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalises the document → 2. Embassy of Spain in Accra legalises it → 3. Sworn translation into Spanish
We are not affiliated with Ghana's foreign ministry, the Embassy of Spain in Accra, the Ghana Police Service, BLS or any Spanish authority.
How are Ghanaian documents legalised for Spain?
Ghanaian documents are legalised for Spain in two steps. First, the Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra legalises the document. Then the Embassy of Spain in Accra legalises the ministry's signature. Ghana has not joined the Apostille Convention, so no apostille is available.
The one fact that matters: Ghana uses legalisation, not the apostille. The HCCH status table of 30 June 2026 does not list Ghana as a party.
| Step | Where | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1. MFA legalisation (Ghana MFA authentication) | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Accra | Ask about any earlier authentication step for your document |
| 2. Spanish legalisation | Embassy of Spain in Accra (embassy page) | The embassy also serves Togo |
| 3. Spanish translation | English sworn translator, from scans sent from Ghana or Spain | 24–48 hours per certificate, both stamps translated |
The BLS checklist states the chain plainly. Documents must be "legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra and, subsequently, by the Embassy of Spain in Accra". They must then be "translated into Spanish by an authorized translator in Spain" (BLS Ghana checklist; HCCH status table).
Both legalisation stamps are translated along with the document. The logic of that order is set out in apostille before or after translation; legalisation follows it too. Ghana has no apostille, so finish both Accra stamps first; then we translate.
Last checked: 1 October 2026.
How do Ghanaians living in Spain get documents legalised in Accra?
Both legalisation steps happen in Accra, so Ghanaians living in Spain usually rely on a relative or representative there. That person takes the document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then to the Embassy of Spain. Once both stamps are on, they scan every page and you send us the scans.
You need these documents to renew a TIE, apply for arraigo or nationality, or marry at a Spanish Registro Civil. Routes that work from Spain:
| Document | Route while you live in Spain | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Police Clearance Certificate | Register and pay on the Ghana Police e-services portal; fingerprints are taken in person | Ask the Ghana Police Service or the Embassy of Ghana in Madrid how applicants abroad give fingerprints |
| Certified copy of birth entry | A relative requests it from the Births and Deaths Registry | Ask the registry what authorisation a relative needs |
| Marriage or degree certificate | A relative or your university obtains a certified copy | Ask the issuer how it releases documents to a representative |
| MFA and Spanish Embassy stamps | Your representative takes the document to both offices in Accra | Ask the MFA about any earlier authentication step |
When the stamps are on, get a fixed quote for your Ghanaian certificates. Filing steps in Spain: Extranjería sworn translation and arraigo sworn translation.
How do I plan a Ghana police report for a Spain visa or residence file?
The Ghana Police Service, CID Headquarters in Accra, issues the Police Clearance Certificate, also called a police report. Since 17 September 2023 you register, pay and book online; fingerprints are still taken in person. Plan it last, then add time for both legalisation steps before translation.
Validity is set by each office, commonly 3 to 6 months. So the report must still be recent after the MFA and Embassy stamps. Online steps run through the Ghana Police e-services portal, with payment via Ghana.Gov (GNA report).
Timing and earlier steps: the police, the MFA and the Embassy of Spain in Accra do not publish fixed processing times. Court papers and notarised copies may need an earlier authentication step. Ask each office when you submit.
Which Ghanaian documents does Spain ask for, and how are they named?
Spain mostly asks for the police clearance, birth certificate, marriage certificate and degree certificate from Ghana. Each needs the MFA and Spanish Embassy legalisations before translation. The Births and Deaths Registry issues certified copies of birth entries, which is the version to legalise.
| Ghanaian document | Spanish name | Often used for |
|---|---|---|
| Police Clearance Certificate (police report) | Certificado de antecedentes penales | Visas, arraigo, nationality |
| Certified copy of birth entry | Certificado de nacimiento | Reunification, nationality, Registro Civil |
| Marriage certificate | Certificado de matrimonio | Reunification, Registro Civil |
| Degree certificate and transcript | Título universitario | Student and work visas, homologation |
Can I get a Ghana police clearance apostille for Spain?
No. Because Ghana is not an apostille country, the police report is legalised by the MFA and then the Embassy of Spain in Accra. Request it late, so it stays recent for your appointment. Translation: police clearance certificate sworn translation.
Is there a Ghana birth certificate apostille for Spain?
No. Ghana birth certificate legalisation for Spain uses the same two steps on the certified copy from the Births and Deaths Registry. Order one for each family member in your file. Translation: birth certificate sworn translation.
Marriage and degree certificates follow the same chain. See marriage certificate sworn translation and degree certificate sworn translation.
Send your Accra-legalised certificates for a fixed quote
Free quote within 1 hour · files deleted 7 days after delivery
Why do English Ghanaian documents still need a certified Spanish translation?
Spanish offices work in Spanish, so a document in English still needs a Spanish version. The BLS Ghana checklist asks for a translator authorised in Spain. In Spain, when an office asks for an official or "certified" translation, it means a sworn translation (traducción jurada) by a MAEC-appointed translator. It meets that need and carries official status across Spain.
Detail on the language pair: English to Spanish sworn translation.
Which mistakes slow down Ghanaian files for Spain?
The stamps, not the English, usually hold a Ghanaian file back:
- Missing Spanish Embassy stamp. The MFA stamp alone is not enough; the Embassy of Spain in Accra must legalise it too.
- Police report that expires. Two legalisation steps eat into its validity; request it last.
- Translating too early. Translate after both legalisations, so the stamps are included.
- Name spellings. We check names against the passport and add a translator's note where spellings differ.
- Requerimientos. Spanish law gives 10 working days (días hábiles) to answer one (Ley 39/2015, article 68). Send it to us the day it arrives: correction notice sworn translation.
- Visa appointments. For a BLS Spain visa in Ghana, use only the official BLS Spain centre listed on BLS Ghana.
How much does a sworn translation of Ghanaian documents cost in cedis?
We quote one total in euros for the whole set, legalisation stamps included. The quote also gives the delivery date. Nothing is charged until you accept it. See how much a sworn translation costs for other documents. Prices are in euros; your card or bank converts from cedis at its own rate.
| Item | Starting price | Standard turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Police Clearance Certificate | from €29 | 24–48 hours |
| Birth or marriage certificate | from €29 | 24–48 hours |
| Degree certificate | from €29 | 24–48 hours |
| Family or student set | from €29 per certificate | Quoted per file |
These are starting prices. For your final price, send your details through the quote form. We email you a written quotation, and work starts only after you approve it.
As an indicative market range, sworn translations in Spain cost about €30–120 a page. That is roughly €30–80 for the first page and €15–40 for later pages (Cronoshare, January 2026). This is a market range, not our price.
Payment methods: cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, bank transfer (SEPA and international), Apple Pay and Google Pay. Prices include VAT where it applies.
What reassures Ghanaian clients before they pay?
By the time your police report reaches us, it has queued at CID Headquarters, the MFA and the Embassy of Spain in Accra. You should not have to start again. Each translator we work with is MAEC-appointed, works with an official seal and signs digital files electronically. You can check that seal on the official MAEC list.
- Is the translator real? Look up the seal on your delivered translation in the official MAEC search (Buscador-STIJ), or read how to verify a sworn translator.
- What if the office rejects it? Free, prioritised re-issue if rejected on formal grounds, under our re-issue policy.
- Is my data safe? Files are deleted within 7 days of delivery, as set out in our privacy policy.
- Police report close to expiry after the Accra stamps? See urgent sworn translation.
What clients say
4.9/5.0 from 18,000+ reviews
“Muy buen servicio. I needed an English-to-Spanish sworn translation for official paperwork and had a few doubts before ordering. They answered my questions clearly, and the whole process was easier than I expected.”
“I needed my birth certificate translated for my Spanish nationality paperwork and wasn't really sure where to start. I sent an enquiry first, and the team explained the process without making it complicated. The communication was good, and I felt more confident about getting the documents ready.”
“Good service and clear communication. I needed my police clearance certificate translated for a residence application. They explained what they needed from me and answered my questions promptly.”
“We had to translate our marriage certificate for a family reunification procedure. I was worried about getting the paperwork wrong, so I had quite a few questions. The team was patient and explained the translation process clearly. That was genuinely helpful during an already stressful time.”
“My nationality application involved documents from my home country, and I wasn't sure how to arrange the translations. I reached out with my questions and received a clear explanation of the process. It saved me from spending more time guessing what to do next.”
“We needed corporate documents translated into Spanish for a business procedure. The terminology and consistency mattered to us, so we wanted a service that understood the formal nature of the documents. Communication was professional, and the process was well organised.”
“Muchas gracias por la ayuda 😊 I needed my marriage certificate translated for a family application here in Spain. Communication was good and the steps were easy to understand.”
“We needed a police certificate translated and had some doubts about the paperwork. The team replied patiently and explained the process. It was helpful to get a clear answer instead of trying to work everything out ourselves.”
Which Spanish visa or residence file are you preparing with Ghanaian documents?
Ghanaians already in Spain mostly use these documents for arraigo, renewals, reunification or nationality. Others apply from Accra for a student or work visa. The papers are the same legalised certificates in each case; only the checklist changes.
- Arraigo: a criminal record certificate from each country you lived in during the last 5 years. Arraigo translations for Ghanaians
- Family reunification: the resident in Spain files form EX-02 first. Family reunification sworn translation
- Student visa: a criminal record certificate if you are an adult staying over 6 months; funds of €600 a month. Spain student visa sworn translation
- 2026 regularisation renewals: permits last one year, so renewals fall due from 2027. Regularisation renewal sworn translation
- Spain visa from Ghana: follow your current checklist from Accra. Sworn translation for a Spain visa
Similar English-language route: Nigerian documents for Spain. French-language route in West Africa: Senegalese documents for Spain. Browse documents from every country we cover.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ghana's foreign ministry take?
It depends on the document and the queue. Ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when you submit, and allow extra time for the Embassy of Spain step. Book your Spanish appointment only once both stamps are on.
Do Ghanaian documents need translating if they are in English?
Yes. The BLS Ghana checklist asks for translation into Spanish by an authorised translator in Spain. A sworn translation has official status before Spanish authorities.
Can I get my Ghanaian documents translated online from Accra or Spain?
Yes. Send scans of the legalised documents from Ghana or Spain. The signed PDF arrives by email.
Does the Embassy of Spain in Accra translate documents?
No translation service appears on the embassy's page. Its role in this chain is legalisation. The BLS checklist asks for a translator authorised in Spain.
How do I send my Ghanaian certificates for an official sworn translation?
Scan or photograph each page, making sure both legalisation stamps are readable, and send them with our upload form. Originals are never needed. We reply with one total in GHS or euros and the delivery date. Payment comes only after you agree.
Upload your Ghanaian documents for a fixed quote
Free quote within 1 hour · fixed price before you pay · official in Spain
What happens next
- 1We check that both Accra stamps are legible, then send one total in cedis or euros with a date.
- 2You compare the names in the draft with your passport before the seal is applied.
- 3The digitally signed PDF reaches you by email; we courier paper only if a Spanish office insists.
WhatsApp: +44 7482 545337. We only translate. We never sell appointments.