Sworn Translations

The term “sworn translation” refers to the translation of documents written in a foreign language that is carried out in order to have a legal effect before a specific official body. In Spain, all sworn translations must always be certified by a sworn translator-interpreter appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC), who signs and stamps the translation with his or her official seal. It is also necessary that the last page of the translation itself bears a certificate attesting its status as a sworn translation and official document.

What is the difference between an ordinary translation and a sworn translation?

An ordinary or simple translation is a translation that is not official and can be carried out by a translator who is a native speaker of the language to be translated into, but who does not necessarily have to be a sworn translator-interpreter or have a similar qualification. This type of translation is the most common and can be found in many fields, like in the financial or technical ones, where a more specific terminology and vocabulary is sought that is more adapted and appropriate to the target language of the translation.

On the other hand, as mentioned above, the sworn translation has to be verified at all times by a sworn translator-interpreter, who certifies it and therefore takes legal responsibility for the accuracy of its content, but above all for its truthfulness and faithfulness to the original text that is to be translated. A further special feature of sworn translations is that they must be issued on paper and must be delivered with the translator’s certification, signature and stamp.

In any case, whether the translation is ordinary or sworn, it must be carried out by professionals who are fluent in both the original and target languages, and who have extensive knowledge of the subject or sector that the translation deals with in order to achieve a better result.

When is a sworn translation necessary and with what type of documents?

According to Spanish law, all documents in a language other than Spanish that are to be legally effective in Spain must be accompanied by the corresponding sworn translation. This must include the signature and stamp of the translator and sometimes, depending on the country of origin and purpose, an apostille.

Sworn translations, therefore, are indispensable in administrative and legal processes when providing or presenting documents to authorities and public administration bodies, as well as to study centres like universities, banks or financial institutions, courts, tribunals, international bodies and many others. In this sense, sworn translations are provided for documents such degree certificates and academic transcripts, criminal record certificates, identity documents, passports, family books, driving licences, deeds and powers of attorney, etc.

Sworn translations are also often found in the corporate and professional field, where sworn translations are often requested for corporate documents like contracts between two companies, for example, for which the most accurate and impartial translation is required.

Who can carry out a sworn translation?

Sworn translations can only be carried out by translators who hold a sworn translator-interpreter qualification awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC), which authorises them to translate from a foreign language into one of the official languages of the Spanish State and vice versa. As they are not civil servants and do not have an official position, sworn translators-interpreters are authorised by the MAEC and can work independently or as freelancers or in a private company.

What services can we offer you at Clinter?

At Clinter, from the very beginning, we have been committed to sworn translations as our star service and we currently provide sworn, inverse and direct translations in all languages for which we have a sworn interpreter appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. According to current legislation, these translations constitute public documents and have official status.

We also have terminology glossaries for various sectors and fields that help us find the most appropriate vocabulary and language to achieve a correct translation of the highest quality possible.

Why choose us?

In our team, we have sworn translators and interpreters with many years of experience who have been appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, and are prepared to offer a quality service. Our rates are also the most competitive on the market, adapted to the needs of each client, and we make sure at all times that delivery deadlines are 100% met and that the client receives the translation in the way or mode they prefer.

What is our experience in sworn translations?

After more than 175 years in the sector, we have provided sworn translation services to thousands of clients in Spain, but also abroad, always guaranteeing the highest quality and the best result possible.

At corporate level, we have also worked with public and private organisations both nationally and internationally, including the infrastructure company Ferrovial, the Ministry of Justice, the construction company Dragados and the Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc, for example.