FAQs
What is a sworn translator?
A sworn translator is a linguist authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spain (MAEC) to produce official translations of documents. Their translations are legally valid and can be presented to public institutions.
What requirements must a certified translation meet in Spain to be legal?
A sworn translation in Spain must meet specific formal requirements to be legally valid. These are the key ones:
- It must be done by a sworn translator, officially certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- It must include a statement certifying that the translation is accurate and complete, based on the original document.
- The translation must be signed and stamped with the translator’s official seal.
- The original document or a copy is usually attached to the translation, often stapled together.
- Printed copies are the norm, but digitally signed translations are increasingly accepted.
Can sworn translators issue apostilles?
No, sworn translators are not authorized to issue apostilles. An apostille is an official stamp that verifies the authenticity of a public document, and it must be issued by a competent authority, such as a notary, a court, or the Ministry of Justice. If a sworn translation is needed for an apostilled document, the apostille should be applied to the original first, and then the entire document, including the apostille, is translated.
Can a sworn translator certify translations in any language?
No. A sworn translator in Spain is only authorized to certify translations between specific language pairs they were officially accredited for by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — for instance, English to Spanish or French to Spanish. They can’t work outside of those approved combinations.
If I get a sworn translation in Spain (say, English to Spanish), will it be accepted by authorities in another country, like the UK?
It depends on the country and the specific procedure. Most foreign authorities don’t automatically recognize sworn translations issued in Spain, since each country has its own regulations. In the UK, for example, translations often need to be certified by a UK-based translator or meet local requirements. So it’s always best to check with the institution you’re submitting it to before commissioning a translation.
What if I need to submit a sworn translation to an official Spanish body abroad, like a consulate?
In that situation, a sworn translation from Spain is generally accepted. Spanish consulates and embassies abroad recognize translations certified by sworn translators in Spain, since they are part of the Spanish administration. However, it’s always wise to double-check with the consulate to see if they also accept certified translations from local translators in that country.
How do I know if a translator is a sworn translator?
In Spain, you can verify if a translator is officially certified as a “sworn translator” (traductor jurado) by checking at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation (MAEC) which maintains an official registry of all authorized sworn translators. You can search for certified translators on their website by language and location unter: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Buscador-STIJ.aspx
How must a sworn translation be presented in Spain?
In Spain, a sworn translation must include the translator’s signature, official stamp, and a certification statement. It is usually delivered as a printed document, signed and sealed. However, it can also be presented in digital format, provided it is signed with a qualified electronic signature issued in Spain. This digital version is increasingly accepted by public institutions, although it’s advisable to confirm whether the receiving entity accepts electronic documents.
Is a sworn translation done in Spain valid for a foreign institution or public body, such as a Spanish consulate abroad?
Yes, in most cases, Spanish consulates accept sworn translations made in Spain, especially if they are produced by a translator authorized by the MAEC. However, it’s always best to confirm with the specific consulate or institution in advance.
Do German official institutions accept translations carried out by a sworn translator recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
Generally, no. German authorities usually require translations done by a publicly appointed or sworn translator in Germany. However, exceptions may apply in some cases or for informal purposes.
If I’m a sworn German-Spanish translator in Spain, can I translate public documents from Austria or Switzerland?
In principle, yes, since Austria and Switzerland share the German language. However, the final acceptability depends on the institution receiving the translation. It is advisable to check specific requirements with the relevant authority.
Are sworn translations done by a sworn translator in Spain valid in Spanish-speaking countries?
Not automatically. Each country has its own requirements and systems of official translation. Some may accept translations from Spain; others may require translations by local certified translators.
What is the difference between a certified translator, an official translator, and a legal translator?
Terminology varies by country. In Spain, a “sworn translator” is the official designation. In other countries, “certified” or “official” may refer to similar roles. A “legal translator” typically specializes in legal content but may not have official certification.
Legal translator or sworn translator?
A legal translator specializes in legal documents and terminology. A sworn translator, on the other hand, is legally authorized to certify translations for official use. A sworn translator can be a legal translator, but not all legal translators are sworn translators.
What is the purpose of a sworn translation?
Sworn translations are used to submit documents to official institutions, such as courts, universities, immigration offices, or public administrations, where a certified and legally recognized version of a document is required.
When is it necessary to apostille a document?
An apostille is required when a public document is to be used in a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. It certifies the authenticity of the signature and seal of the document.
I already have a translation of the document I want to submit — can you certify it for me?
In theory, a sworn translator in Spain could certify an existing translation, but this is neither recommended nor standard practice. The translator is legally responsible for the content of the sworn translation, so they would need to carefully review the existing translation and compare it against the original document. Only if they fully trust its accuracy and quality — and are willing to assume full responsibility — could they certify it. However, in most cases, translators prefer to produce the translation themselves to ensure it meets the required standards.
Can a sworn translation in Spain be sworn using only a digital certificate?
Yes, as of recent regulations, sworn translators in Spain are allowed to produce digitally signed translations using a qualified digital certificate. However, the receiving authority must also accept this format.
Is a sworn translator in Spain legally responsible for their translations?
Yes. Sworn translators in Spain carry both civil and criminal liability for the content and accuracy of their sworn translations. Their work must be truthful and faithful to the original.
Free interpreter at police stations in Mallorca?
Yes. Foreigners and tourists in Mallorca have the right to a free interpreter when reporting a crime or filing a police complaint if they do not understand Spanish. This is guaranteed by Spanish and EU law.
Do you only provide sworn translations from Spanish to German?
In addition to sworn translations (often referred to—though not always accurately—as official, certified, or legal translations), I also offer the following services:
- Spanish ↔ English translations, specializing in industrial, medical, sports, and tourism-related content.
- Spanish ↔ German translations, with the same areas of expertise.
- Interpretation and on-site language support, also known as language accompaniment.
- I can also certify and swear translations from German to Spanish and vice versa—provided I first review and compare the translated document with the original.
What kind of technical translations do you specialize in?
With over 20 years of experience, I’ve worked across a wide range of topics. However, I’ve developed particular expertise in the following areas:
Industrial Translation
Fields:
- Mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering
- Industrial automation
- Energy and renewables
- Construction and architecture
- Manufacturing processes
- Workplace safety and risk prevention
Document types:
- Technical manuals for machinery and equipment
- Blueprints and technical specifications
- Product sheets and data sheets
- ISO standards and certification documents
- Maintenance and inspection reports
- Operating and safety procedures (SOPs)
- Technical bids and contracts
- Industrial catalogues
E-learning and Training
Fields:
- Educational platforms (LMS such as Moodle, Canvas, etc.)
- Corporate training programs
- Academic resources (STEM, languages, soft skills, etc.)
- Technical and vocational training
- Digital inclusion and accessibility
Document types:
- Video/audio course scripts
- Educational slide decks and presentations
- Tests, quizzes, and assessments
- Interactive content (SCORM, HTML5)
- Student and instructor manuals
- Teaching materials (PDFs, infographics, worksheets)
- Platform user guides
- Certificates and progress reports
Tourism and Travel
Fields:
- Cultural and adventure tourism
- Hospitality and travel services
- Food tourism and wine tourism
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Sustainable and eco-tourism
- Tourism marketing
Document types:
- Hotel, agency, and destination websites
- Travel brochures and guides
- Reviews and attraction descriptions
- Restaurant menus and wine lists
- Itineraries and travel programs
- Service contracts for tourism companies
- Marketing campaigns and SEO content
- Visitor conduct rules and health protocols
Sports
Fields:
- Professional and amateur sports
- Sports event management
- Physical training and coaching
- Sports medicine and rehabilitation
- Sports technology and equipment
- Olympic Games and sports federations
Document types:
- Rules and regulations
- Training manuals and exercise guides
- Sponsorship and transfer contracts
- News articles, interviews, and press releases
- Competition and event programs
- Team and federation websites
- Educational material for coaches or referees
- Sports apps (performance, nutrition, etc.)
Clinical and Medical Translation
Fields:
- Clinical diagnostics, treatments, and specialties (cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, etc.)
- Pharmacology and clinical trials
- Drug development, research, and commercialization
- Veterinary medicine (including documentation for animals, drugs, and medical equipment)
- Medical devices (surgical instruments, prosthetics, diagnostic tools)
Do I need to pick up the sworn translation in person?
While many clients prefer to collect their translation in person, I also offer postal delivery for an additional fee. Alternatively, I can send digitally signed versions by email, if accepted.
Legal Framework
The following regulations govern the profession of sworn translators and interpreters in Spain:
- Royal Decree 2555/1977 (Office of Language Interpretation regulation)
- Order of August 23, 1999 (implementation of Royal Decree 1665/1991 regarding the profession)
- Order AEX/1971/2002 (requirements for appointing sworn translators with a Translation & Interpreting degree)
- Royal Decree 2002/2009 (amending the 1977 regulation)
- Order AEC/2287/2012 (fees and forms for exams, certification, and ID cards)
- Order AEC/2125/2014 (regulations for the examination process)
- Organic Law 4/2000 (rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration)
