Is it mandatory to translate documents for the Denmark WHV?

Applying for the Denmark Working Holiday Visa is one of the most exciting decisions you can make, but it also requires great administrative precision. One of the most frequent doubts among Spanish-speaking travelers is whether they must incur translation costs or if they can submit their paperwork in Spanish.

Below, we clear up all your doubts based on the regulations of the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

1. Is it mandatory to translate the documents?

The short answer is: Yes, if your documents are in Spanish.

SIRI sets very clear rules regarding the language of the documentation. For an immigration officer to evaluate your case, the documents must be written in or translated into one of the following languages:

• Danish

• English

• Norwegian

• Swedish

• German

Since Spanish is not on this list, any document issued in your home country (such as bank certificates or criminal records, if required) must be translated into English or Danish.

What type of translation is required?

Normally, SIRI requires translations to be performed by a certified or sworn translator. It is not necessary for translations to be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Apostille of the Hague) unless otherwise specified, but they must have the professional's stamp and signature validating the accuracy of the text.

The Case of European Passports

If you have Spanish nationality or from any EU/EEA country, you do not need a Working Holiday Visa. You can enter Denmark and look for work under the right of free movement, registering once you find employment.

2. Essential Document Checklist

For your application to be successful, make sure you have:

1. Valid Passport: A color copy of all pages (including covers and blank pages).

2. Proof of Funds: A bank statement in your name. Tip: If the bank can issue the certificate directly in English, you save the cost of translation.

3. Travel Insurance: It must cover the 12-month stay and have a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR (including repatriation). The certificate usually comes in English by default.

4. Proof of Fee Payment (Case Order ID): The payment receipt for SIRI.

   
   

4. Expert Tips and Advice

• Request your bank certificate in English: Many international banks (or digital banks) allow you to download the account statement or a certificate of ownership in English. This is 100% valid for Denmark and will save you time and money on translators.

• Watch out for passport validity: Denmark will not grant you a visa that exceeds your passport's expiration date. If your passport expires in 6 months, they will only give you a 3-month visa (as it must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure).

• Pay attention to quotas: Countries like Chile have very small quotas (150) that run out in minutes. Have all your documentation translated and ready weeks before the opening.

• Quality Photos: If you are going to upload digital files, make sure they have no reflections and that the text is perfectly legible. SIRI is very strict with the quality of PDF files.