Becoming a sworn translator-interpreter (traductor-intérprete jurado)

Key rules

• Who appoints: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appoints sworn translators; no other body can give you the title.
• Exam calls: Exam calls are irregular, so ask the Ministry whether one is open for your language.
• Foreign degrees: A foreign degree must be officially recognised in Spain before you can use it.
• Non-EU/EEA nationals: You need legal residence and work authorisation in Spain.

What this page covers

Becoming a traductor-intérprete jurado is a career route. It is not the same as getting a document translated. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes the appointment, either after you pass its exam or through a recognised degree. If you only need a document translated for an office, use the decision block below to check whether you need a sworn translator.

What the title gives you

A sworn translator can certify a translation with a signature, a stamp and a statement that it is faithful to the original. That gives the translation official validity before courts, registries and administrations. An ordinary translator cannot do this, however well qualified. The title is what makes your work acceptable for things like birth certificates, diplomas and contracts.

The two routes

Route 1: the Ministry's exam. You need a university degree recognised in Spain. It can be in any field. The exam tests translation in both directions for your language. The Ministry holds the exam only when it announces a call (convocatoria). Calls are irregular, not yearly, so ask the Ministry whether one is open for your language.

Route 2: a degree in Translation and Interpreting. You need an official university degree in Translation and Interpreting. It must include a recognised sworn-translation accreditation. If you have both, you can be appointed without the exam for the languages the programme covers. Confirm the details of this route with the Ministry before you plan around it.

After you qualify

Once you pass or qualify, you apply for the título and take an oath. You are then entered in the Ministry's register. Check the current procedure and fees with the Ministry.

If you are not Spanish

Nationality is not a barrier. EU/EEA nationals can be appointed. Other foreign nationals can be appointed if they have legal residence and work authorisation in Spain.

You must also meet these conditions:

• Your degree must be Spanish, or a foreign degree officially recognised in Spain. Recognition goes through the Ministry of Universities. Start it early, because you need it before you apply.
• You must show good command of Spanish and your other language.
• You follow the same exam or degree route as Spaniards.

The checklist below puts these steps in order.

Choosing between options

Do you need a sworn translator, or will an ordinary translator do?

• Sworn translator: Use one when a court, registry or administration needs an official document translated, such as a birth certificate, diploma or contract for registration. They certify with signature, stamp and a statement of fidelity.

• Ordinary translator: Use one when the translation is only for your own understanding or for a body that does not ask for official validity. Authorities requiring official documents will usually not accept it.

If a Spanish authority will receive the translation as an official document, you need a sworn translator appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Checklist

• Decide whether you take the Ministry's exam (any recognised degree) or use the route for a degree in Translation and Interpreting with a recognised sworn-translation accreditation.

• Ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whether an exam call is open for your language, since calls are irregular.

• If you are not an EU/EEA national, confirm you have legal residence and work authorisation in Spain.

• Prepare to show good command of Spanish and your other language, as the exam tests translation in both directions.

• After passing or qualifying, apply for the título, take the oath and make sure you are entered in the Ministry's register.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign national become a sworn translator in Spain?

Yes, nationality is not a bar, but you need a Spanish university degree or a foreign degree officially recognised in Spain. Non-EU nationals also need legal residence and work authorisation. You must show good command of Spanish and your other language, and follow the same exam or degree route as Spaniards.

Do I need to get my foreign degree recognised before applying?

Yes, a foreign degree must be officially recognised or homologated in Spain through the Ministry of Universities before it counts. Start that process first, since you cannot apply for the exam or the degree route without it.

How often does the Ministry hold the sworn translator exam?

There is no fixed yearly date, because exam calls (convocatorias) are irregular and not annual. The Ministry announces each one when it opens, so watch its announcements if you plan to take the exam route.

Can an ordinary translator's work be used for official paperwork?

No, a translation without a sworn translator's signature, stamp and statement of fidelity will usually be refused by courts, registries and administrations. This applies even if the translator is highly qualified, so use a sworn translator for birth certificates, diplomas and contracts.