Home / Citizenship by descent
Citizenship by Descent: Do Your US Documents Need Translating?
Americans claiming an ancestor's citizenship file US birth, marriage and death records with a foreign consulate. Some countries need them translated, most do not. Here is each, from the consulates' own sites.
$24.95/page
Flat rate per page, up to 250 words. No hidden fees.
100% USCIS acceptance
Every certified translation is guaranteed to be accepted by USCIS.
24-hour delivery
Most 1-3 page documents are delivered within 24 hours. Same-day available.
By country
| Country | Translation of US documents | Who may translate |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Yes, into Italian (apostille not translated) | A professional translation; certificate of accuracy for court documents in New York |
| Spain | No for nationality; yes for the FBI check of a visa | Sworn or certified translator (visa) |
| Portugal | No, English is exempt | If asked: certified in Portugal or by a consulate |
| Germany | No for English documents | Sworn translator for other languages |
| Hungary | Divorce decrees and some naturalizations | OFFI or an official translator; LA certifies |
| Mexico | No at a consulate; yes in Mexico | Perito traductor in Mexico |
| Ireland | No (Foreign Births Register accepts English) | — |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to translate my US documents for citizenship by descent?
It depends on the country: Italy requires Italian translations; Spain, Portugal, Germany, Mexico and Ireland generally accept US documents in English; Hungary needs Hungarian translations for divorce decrees and some naturalizations.
Does the translation need to be done by a sworn translator of that country?
Not for the Italian consulates we checked. Germany (for non-English documents), Hungary and registrations in Mexico rely on their own official translators.
Ready to order?
Upload your documents and see the exact price and delivery time before you pay.