Sworn translations

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. After reading, you will know whether you need a sworn translation, who may make it, what it costs and in what order to do things.

Start with "When Spain requires a sworn translation". It helps you decide whether a sworn translation is needed or whether an original or ordinary translation will do. Then read the pages on finding an official translator, costs and turnaround, and the order of translation and apostille. The last page covers Spanish documents you need to use at home.

Key rules

• Who signs: A sworn translation is valid only when the individual translator appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signs and seals it; an agency stamp alone is not enough.
• Ask the office: Confirm with the office receiving your file, ideally in writing, whether it needs a sworn translation before you order one.
• Apostille first: Get the apostille on a foreign public document in the country that issued it, then have the document and the apostille translated together.
• Correction deadline: If an office rejects a translation, the notice usually gives 10 working days to submit a corrected one, so check the exact period on the notice.
• Default: Foreign public documents in a language other than Spanish or the region's co-official language generally need a sworn translation.
• Own translation: A translation you make yourself is generally refused for the Civil Registry, courts, nationality, degree recognition and immigration files.

Documents you may need

Translations and legal papers

• A sworn translation signed and sealed by the individual appointed translator — Finding an official sworn translator (traductor jurado)
• A sworn translation of the document and its apostille together — Translate before or after the apostille?
• A translation of the document attached to it — Translating Spanish documents for use in your home country

Other documents

• Foreign civil-status certificates — When Spain requires a sworn translation
• Foreign criminal record certificate — When Spain requires a sworn translation
• Academic degrees and transcripts for recognition of your studies — When Spain requires a sworn translation
• The original document you need translated — Finding an official sworn translator (traductor jurado)
• Your foreign public document — Translate before or after the apostille?
• The original Spanish public document — Translating Spanish documents for use in your home country
• EU-issued public documents — When Spain requires a sworn translation
• Civil-status certificates issued as multilingual extracts under the Vienna — When Spain requires a sworn translation
• Documents in Spanish or the region's co-official language — When Spain requires a sworn translation

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Sworn translations: questions that cross several articles

Can I file an English document without any translation?

Sometimes yes, because some offices accept English documents, passports and ID cards at their own discretion. Courts, the Civil Registry, nationality, degree recognition and immigration files normally need a sworn translation. Read "When Spain requires a sworn translation" to see which case fits you.

Do EU documents with a multilingual form need a translation?

Often no, because certain EU public documents such as birth, marriage and criminal record certificates can come with a multilingual standard form that replaces the translation. The office can still ask for one if the form does not cover the content. Read "When Spain requires a sworn translation" for the cases, and "Translate before or after the apostille?" if your document needs an apostille.

Can I translate my own documents?

Only for some documents, such as payslips, contracts or informal procedures, and only if the office allows it. A translation you made yourself is generally not accepted for courts or the Civil Registry. Read "When Spain requires a sworn translation" first, then "Finding an official sworn translator (traductor jurado)" if you need a sworn one.

Can a sworn translator based outside Spain translate my documents?

Yes, a translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not have to live in Spain, but most do. Foreign sworn translations are accepted if the document is legalised or apostilled, or covered by a convention, and many offices still ask for a translator appointed in Spain. Read "Translate before or after the apostille?" and "Finding an official sworn translator (traductor jurado)".

How do I know a sworn translation is valid?

A valid one carries the translator's signature and seal, their title and appointment number, a statement that it is a faithful and complete translation, plus the place and date. It also identifies the original or has a copy attached. Read "Finding an official sworn translator (traductor jurado)" to check the translator on the ministry's list.