
Sworn translation

Sworn translation is needed for certain documents written in a foreign language, usually official documents, whose translation needs to be legally validated before an official body. These translations bear the Sworn Translator and Interpreter’s seal and signature on all pages and a certification on the last page to certify that it is a sworn translation. Additionally, they need to be accompanied by a copy of the original document sealed and dated to compare the translation.
In Spain this kind of translations can only be carried out by the Sworn Translators and Interpreters who have been appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation to translate from a foreign language into one of Spain’s official languages and vice versa.
It is normally public bodies who request sworn translations of documents in foreign languages for administrative or legal processes. Documents that normally require a sworn translation include:
- Business contracts
- Medical certificates or criminal records
- Testaments
- Birth, marriage and death certificates
- Work permits
- Powers of attorney
- Deeds
- Claims, decrees and sentencing
- Trinity and Cambridge certificates
- NIF/NIE and passport
- Driving licences
- Adoption files
- Family books
- Deeds of incorporation
- Residence permits
- Census certificates
- Articles of association
- Recommendation letters
If you are not sure whether you need a general or sworn translation, contact the body which has requested the translation or Connecting Translations, our project manager will be delighted to help you.