How to Translate a Death Certificate From Spanish to English: What You Need to Know

When you might need to translate a death certificate from Spanish to English

Death certificate translation from Spanish to English might be necessary for legal, administrative, or personal matters related to the deceased. This can include immigration, inheritance claims, marriage, and other purposes. Here are some scenarios  

• Registering a Death: If the deceased is a citizen of an English-speaking country and dies in a country where Spanish is the official language, you might have to translate the death certificate into English to register the death with local authorities in their country.
• Burial: When returning the deceased's body to their home country, a death certificate translation is typically required to explain the cause of death to customs and immigration officials.
• Settling an Estate: If the deceased was a citizen of multiple countries, you must translate the death certificate to English before proceeding.
• Insurance Claims: A translated death certificate is often necessary for life insurance or other benefits claims, especially if the policy was issued in another country.
• Marriage or Divorce Proceedings: If a spouse has died and there are plans for remarriage or divorce proceedings, a certified translation of the death certificate may be required to verify the status of the deceased spouse.
• Immigration Purposes: When applying for immigration benefits or residency based on familial relationships, a death certificate translation may be required to prove the deceased's relationship and status.

Note: Translating a Spanish death certificate into English is required when engaging in any listed activities in an English-speaking country.  This includes the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. These countries mostly require a certified translation for the death certificate. You might have to notarise the death certificate or provide an Apostille. These requirements will depend on the location and the country's policy. 

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Key elements of a death certificate

The death certificate often contains details of the deceased, a certifying doctor, and other information. Here’s a list 

• Full Name: The complete name of the deceased.
• Date of Birth: The date when the deceased was born.
• Place of Birth: The location where the deceased was born.
• Personal Identification Number: In Spain, this is often called a DNI (National Identity Document) or NIE (Foreigner Identification Number).
• Nationality: The nationality of the deceased.
• Marital Status: Information regarding whether the deceased was single, married, divorced, or widowed
• Cause and place of death
• Information about the certifying doctor: includes the doctor's full name, registration number, and signature
• Civil Registry Information: Details about where the death was registered, including registration number, date of registration, official seal or stamp from the civil registry office

How much does it cost to translate a death certificate?

The cost of translating a death certificate varies from $20 to $80, depending on the language pair, delivery timelines, additional requirements like notarization or Apostille, and the certified translation company. Before submitting the document, you can request a quote on Translayte.  

Steps to translate a death certificate from Spanish to English

Now that you know when to translate and the key features of a death certificate, you can follow these steps to get a certified translation from Spanish to English 

Prepare documents and verify translation requirement

Verify the death certificate to ensure you have the original copy. When that’s settled, confirm whether the translation should be notarized or Apostilled. 

Choose a certified translation company

Search for an accredited certified translation company with relevant authorisation to translate documents for the intended country. Some countries mandate that you use certified translation companies they recognise to make verifying documents easier. 

For instance, if you want to use the death certificate in the UK, it’s advised you contact a UK certified translation company with relevant accreditation from the relevant authorities or association. 

Submit the original document

If you've reviewed the quote, and it meets your requirements, you can proceed to submit the original death certificate. When uploading the death certificate, you can select Notarise or Apostille as add-ons. 

You should also include notes with other requirements to ensure no mistakes are made. Additionally, if you need the translation fast, Translayte offers expedited services. 

Pay translation fees

Proceed to place your order by paying the translation fee for the Spanish death certificate. Ensure you confirm all information is correct before paying online. We accept payment via PayPal, Credit card or Bank transfer.

Receive a certified translation

You will receive a copy of the translated Spanish death certificate with the accompanying documents. Depending on your requirements, these documents often include a certificate of accuracy, a notary public seal, and an apostille certificate. Translayte also offers shipping services to your given address.

Double-check to ensure everything is in order. If there are no errors, you can submit the original death certificate and certified translation for whatever purposes you want. 

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Challenges of translating a death certificate from Spanish to English

Spanish to English translation poses several challenges:

Cultural difference 

Different cultures have varying practices regarding death documentation, which can lead to misinterpretations if not understood properly. For example, a name like "Juan Carlos Martínez Rodríguez" doesn't have an English equivalent but needs careful handling in English records. 

In most cases, Martínez becomes the surname, while Rodríguez (the maternal surname) is often dropped or becomes a middle name. Also, times written as "14:30 horas" will be "2:30 PM" when translated for US documents.

Legal and medical terminology

Accurate translation of specific legal jargon and medical terms is crucial, as errors can result in legal complications. For example, the Spanish term "paro cardiorespiratory" literally translates as "cardiorespiratory arrest" in English. However, the preferred medical term in English is "cardiopulmonary arrest”. 

Document structure

Spanish death certificates often have a different structure than their English counterparts, complicating the translation process. For example, Spanish certificates often have a "Datos del Fallecido" section, which becomes "Decedent Information", not "Information of the Deceased”. 

Also, Spanish certificates usually use passive voice more frequently: "Se certifica que..." becomes "This certifies that..." rather than "It is certified that…”

Differences in terminology, structure, and other details can lead to mistakes if the translation isn't handled professionally. That's why you must use a professional, certified translation service company with experience in different languages, terminologies, and legal requirements.

Recommended Reading

Top 5 Common Mistakes in Certified Translation and How to Avoid Them

Why choose Translayte for your certified translation service?

When you need a Spanish death certificate translated with precision and care, Translayte delivers unmatched expertise and reliable service. Our team ensures accurate translations that meet all official requirements. Here's what you will enjoy 

Professional translation service

Our certified translators specialise in translating Spanish death certificates. Their experience helps ensure that the translation meets medical terminology and legal documentation requirements. 

Quality Process

We maintain a thorough quality assurance process involving double-checking translation to ensure all legal and medical terms are correct. 

Fast turnaround time 

We offer a standard 12-24-hour turnaround for death certificate translations, depending on the requirements and add-ons. You can also expedite the process with express services. 

Get certified translation services for Spanish death certificates online from Translayte

Maintaining meaning and accuracy is essential when translating a Spanish death certificate into English. Failure to do so might result in rejection and other challenges when you need it for official and legal documentation. However, you can avoid these issues using a professional certified translation company like Translayte. We are a global company offering certified translation for various documents and languages, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. Want to translate a Spanish death certificate into English? Get a quote or order online.