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.

In Spain, a sworn translation provided as a digitally signed PDF is legally valid and widely accepted by many public and private institutions. Digital sworn translations offer a fast and convenient solution, 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 in Spain, you may need an apostille to certify their authenticity before obtaining a sworn translation. The apostille is issued under the Hague Apostille Convention and confirms that a document is legally recognised in another country. In most cases, documents must be apostilled in the country of origin before being translated by a sworn translator in Spain. 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 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 1–3 working days. 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.