Visa document checklists: apostille, criminal record and translations
Country-by-country visa document checklists for remote workers and investors: apostilles, criminal record certificates, sworn translations and delivery.
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Learn more →Applying for a digital nomad, remote work or golden visa usually comes down to paperwork from your home country: a criminal record certificate, civil status documents, diplomas, bank statements. Each of them must be the right version, fresh enough, and correctly legalized for the destination. That is where most applications stall, and where we help.
This site gives you country-by-country checklists so you know exactly what to order and in what order. Start with visa documents by country if you already know your destination, or browse documents by type if you are working from the other direction, from a specific certificate to its apostille and translation.
The three things that decide whether your file passes
Apostille or legalization. Public documents such as criminal records, birth and marriage certificates and degrees need an apostille under the 1961 Hague Convention when used in another member country. If your destination is not a member, you need full legalization or attestation instead, which is a different chain of authorities. Check the HCCH status table to see which countries are covered.
Freshness. Criminal record certificates are the most time-sensitive item. As a rule, consulates accept them only within 90 days to 6 months of issue, depending on the country. The FBI Identity History Summary serves US applicants, the ACRO Police Certificate covers the UK, Canada uses the RCMP certified check, Australia the AFP National Police Check, and India issues a PCC apostilled through MEA. Ordering too early is one of the most common and most expensive mistakes.
Translation. After the apostille, a sworn or certified translation into the destination language is usually required. Some countries accept only locally accredited translators, so translating at home can produce a document the consulate rejects.
Popular destination guides
Each guide lists the document set, which items need an apostille, translation requirements and typical validity windows:
- Spain DNV and Portugal D8 for the two most requested European remote work routes
- Croatia and Estonia for EU nomad permits with their own quirks
- Mexico for temporary residency via a consulate
- UAE for the remote work visa, where attestation rules differ from the Hague system
How we fit in
We are a private documents service, not a law firm or a consulate. We advise on the checklist, arrange apostilles, translations and courier delivery, and keep every document inside its validity window. The consulate or immigration authority always makes the final decision on your application. Fees and timelines are confirmed by your case manager before you order, so you know the scope up front.
If your file spans several countries, for example a degree from one country and a criminal record from another, mention it in your first message. Multi-jurisdiction cases are routine for us, and sequencing them correctly saves weeks.
FAQ
Usually yes, when the certificate comes from a public authority in one Hague Convention country and is used in another member country. Non-member destinations typically require legalization or attestation instead, so the checklist depends on both countries.
As a rule, consulates accept criminal record certificates only within 90 days to 6 months of issue, depending on the country. Order it close to your application date, not months in advance.
For the United States it is typically the FBI Identity History Summary. Some destinations also ask for a state-level check, so confirm the exact requirement for your visa before ordering.
The UK uses the ACRO Police Certificate, Canada the RCMP certified criminal record check, Australia the AFP National Police Check, and India a PCC apostilled through MEA. Each has its own issuing process and validity window.
As a rule, the sworn or certified translation is done after the apostille so the translator can certify the apostille itself. Some countries accept only locally accredited translators, which affects where the translation is done.
No. We are a private documents service: we prepare the file, arrange apostilles, translations and courier delivery. The consulate or immigration authority always makes the final decision.
Most files take 2-4 weeks from ordering documents to delivery, but timelines vary by issuing country and destination. Your case manager confirms fees and timelines before you order.
Who needs this service
You are applying for a remote work or nomad visa and need a clean, current file: criminal record, proof of income documents, apostilles and translations, all within validity windows.
You already have the job and the employer letter, but the paperwork from your home country is the bottleneck. We handle issuance and legalization while you keep working.
Investment residency files usually demand more documents, often for family members too. We coordinate parallel orders so everyone's paperwork is ready at the same time.
Born in one country, degree from another, resident in a third? Multi-jurisdiction files are our daily routine, including mixed apostille and legalization routes.
How the process works
- Tell us your destination and visa type
You share the country, visa category and your citizenship. We map the exact document list, including which items need an apostille or legalization.
- We build your checklist
You get a written checklist: each document, its issuing authority, required freshness window and translation format.
- We arrange issuance, apostille and translation
We order the certificates, handle the apostille or attestation and coordinate sworn or certified translation into the destination language.
- Courier delivery and final review
Your completed file is delivered by courier, and we do a final consistency check before you submit it to the consulate.
How you receive the document
- Courier to your address
Completed originals and apostilled documents delivered by tracked courier to your home, office or hotel.
- Scans first
Digital copies of every finished document sent for your review before the physical set ships.
- Direct to translator or consulate
Where the workflow allows, we can route documents straight to the next step in the chain.
Our guarantees
Helpful guides
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Official sources
Rules are checked against official sources.
How it works
We handle your documents in a few steps
Send your visa type and document list
We check the consulate requirements and validity windows.
We arrange apostilles and translations
Federal and state apostilles, FCDO, MEA; sworn translators.
Receive your file
PDF scans by email, originals by courier worldwide.
Need help with your documents?
Describe your case — we will name the documents, timeline and price.