A sworn translation in Spain (also known as a certified translation) is an official translation carried out by a sworn translator authorised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The sworn translator certifies that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document. Sworn translations in Spain are legally valid and are typically required for official purposes, such as submitting documents to Spanish authorities, courts, universities, or other institutions. Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, and legal contracts. Sworn translations include the translator’s signature, stamp and certification, making them legally valid before Spanish authorities, courts, universities and government offices.

In many cases, the sworn translation can be prepared using the document before the apostille is issued. Once the apostille is available, it can be included in the final translation if required. However, requirements may vary depending on the procedure and authority.

Yes. Documents issued in English usually need to be translated into Spanish by an official sworn translator when they are submitted to Spanish authorities. Private translations or self-translations are generally not accepted for official procedures.

Yes, in most cases you can use a sworn translation issued by an Official Sworn Translator in Spain for a visa application submitted at a Spanish consulate abroad.

Sworn translations carried out by a translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs are officially recognised in Spain and can generally be submitted to Spanish embassies and consulates.

However, visa requirements may vary depending on the country, type of visa and the specific Spanish consulate handling your application. Some documents may also require additional formalities, such as an apostille or legalisation, before translation.

If you are unsure about the requirements for your specific visa application, you can contact the relevant Spanish consulate

I specialise in English–Spanish sworn translations. For other language combinations, I can arrange the service through trusted professional sworn translators.

Sworn translations do not normally expire. However, the original document may have validity periods depending on the authority or procedure where it is submitted.

Yes. UK documents such as ACRO certificates, birth certificates and marriage certificates can be translated into Spanish by an official sworn translator. Additional requirements such as apostilles may apply depending on the document.

Yes, in many cases I can translate documents from clear photos taken with your phone. You do not need a scanner — simply send readable images of all pages of your document by email or WhatsApp.

Please make sure that the entire document is visible, the text is clear and there are no shadows, reflections or blurred areas. I will review the document and confirm the price and estimated delivery time before starting the translation.

For official sworn translations, the quality of the image is important because all details, stamps, signatures and notes must be visible and accurately translated.

In Spain, a sworn translation provided as a digitally signed PDF is legally valid and widely accepted by most public and private institutions. Digital sworn translations offer a faster and more convenient solution than paper copies, especially for clients who need certified translations urgently. However, some authorities in Spain may still request a hard copy with the sworn translator’s stamp and handwritten signature. To avoid delays, it is always recommended to confirm the specific requirements of the institution requesting your sworn translation.

If you are submitting foreign documents to Spanish authorities, you may need an apostille to confirm their authenticity before they can be used in Spain. An apostille is issued under the Hague Apostille Convention and certifies that a public document issued in one country is legally recognised in another.

Common documents that may require an apostille for Spain include birth certificates, marriage certificates, FBI background checks, ACRO police certificates, character certificates, academic qualifications and other official records.

In many cases, documents must be apostilled in the country where they were issued before being submitted to the relevant Spanish authority. However, to avoid unnecessary delays, the sworn translation process can usually begin before the apostille has been obtained. Once the apostille is issued, it can be incorporated into the final sworn translation, helping to reduce overall processing times.

Whether an apostille is required depends on the type of document, the country of origin and the specific procedure involved. Requirements can vary depending on the type of document and the authority involved, so it is advisable to check whether an apostille is necessary for your specific situation.

The cost of a sworn translation in Spain depends on the specific characteristics of each document. Factors such as length, language combination, format, and complexity can all influence the final price. For this reason, each certified translation is quoted individually to ensure accuracy and fairness. To receive a personalised quote, please send a scanned copy or clear photograph of your documents by email to hello@sworntranslatorinspain.com or upload them via the contact form on our website. You will receive a prompt reply with a clear and competitive price.

The cost of delivering a hard copy of your sworn translation depends on the destination. To calculate the exact shipping costs, please indicate the postcode (ZIP code) and the country where the documents need to be sent. Once I have this information, I will provide you with the available delivery options and associated costs.

Turnaround times for sworn translations vary depending on the length and complexity of the document, as well as the language combination. Short documents can often be completed within 24-48 hours. Urgent services may be available upon request. Contact me with your documents to receive an estimated delivery time.

Sworn translations issued in Spain are legally valid within Spain. If you need to use a translated document in another country, additional requirements may apply, such as notarisation or apostille. It is important to check the specific requirements of the country where the document will be submitted.

Sworn translations are typically required for official documents submitted to Spanish authorities. These may include birth and marriage certificates, academic diplomas and transcripts, criminal record certificates, legal contracts, court documents, and company incorporation documents.

Yes, in most cases you can send a scanned copy or a high-quality photo of your documents to hello@sworntranslatorinspain.com or through the contact form.
The sworn translator will use this copy to prepare the certified translation. However, some authorities may later request to see the original document, so it is advisable to keep it available.

In Spain, the term “sworn translator” refers specifically to a translator authorised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the official designation required for translations with legal validity. The term “certified translator” is often used more generally and internationally, but in Spain, only sworn translators can issue officially recognised translations.

You usually need a sworn translation when submitting foreign documents to Spanish authorities. Common examples include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• FBI background checks
• ACRO police certificates
• Character certificates
• Academic diplomas
• University transcripts
• Company documents

Requirements may vary depending on the procedure and the authority involved.

In most cases, a clear scan or high-quality photograph is sufficient to prepare a sworn translation.

If an authority specifically requires the original document, this will be indicated during the process.

Not always.

Spanish authorities generally require translations carried out by a sworn translator recognized in Spain or translations that meet specific legal requirements.

If you are unsure, it is advisable to check the requirements of the authority requesting the translation.

Yes, in most immigration and residency procedures, FBI background checks issued in English must be translated into Spanish by an official sworn translator before being submitted to Spanish authorities.

Yes. UK-issued ACRO Police Certificates normally require a sworn translation when presented to Spanish immigration authorities, consulates or government departments.

No.

Spanish authorities generally require an independent sworn translator. Self-translations are usually not accepted for official procedures.

Many visa applications require supporting documents that must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

Examples include:

• Criminal record certificates
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Financial documents
• Academic records

Requirements vary according to the visa category.

In many cases, yes.

Documents issued outside Spain often need an official sworn translation before being submitted as part of a residency application.

Translations prepared by an officially appointed sworn translator are generally accepted by Spanish government bodies, courts, universities and other public institutions.

Simply send a scan or photo of your document using the contact form or by email.
You will receive:

• A fixed quotation
• Estimated delivery time
• Confirmation of the required format
• Instructions for proceeding