Sworn translations

What is a sworn translation and how does it differ from a regular translation is the question anyone asks before hiring. A sworn translation (also called official translation or certified translation) is one performed and signed by a sworn translator authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation(MAEC).

Only professionals listed in the official list of sworn translators of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are authorized to issue this type of document with full legal validity in Spain and abroad.

The key difference regarding a regular translation or an unsworn translation is that the sworn translator stamps their official seal and signs, taking responsibility for the accuracy of the text. This makes the document an instrument with validity before public bodies, consulates, universities, notaries, and courts. Without that signature and seal, no Spanish or foreign administration will accept the document as valid.

When do you need a sworn translation service?

In practice, the most common cases are:

• Submitting an academic transcript, a university degree or a diploma to a Spanish or foreign university for homologation or validation. Sworn translation of academic documents is mandatory when the original document is not in Spanish or in the official language of the receiving body.
• Processing visas, residence permits or immigration processes where authorities require an official sworn translation of the passport, the certificate of residence registration, the birth certificate or criminal records.
• Formalizing international contracts, notarial deeds, or any sworn translation of legal documentsfor civil or commercial procedures.
• Submitting employment documentation (pay slips, collective agreements, employment certificates) to foreign bodies or multinational companies established in Spain.
• Managing inheritances with wills in another language that require a sworn translation of wills homologated before a notary.

An official translationis not a luxury or an accessory bureaucratic formality: it is the only mechanism recognized by Spanish law to certify the content of a document written in another language.

Entrusting this work to an accredited sworn translator guarantees that the document will be valid from the outset and will not be rejected by any institution.

If you need a sworn translation for companies, you can request it here.

The collection of sworn translations from Mc LEHM express covers the most requested services by individuals, companies, and public bodies in Spain. Below you will find the most common types of documents and what you need to know about each one.

Sworn translation of university degrees and academic transcripts

This is one of the most frequent requests. Universities, professional associations, and the Ministry of Universities require that any university degree or academic transcript issued abroad be accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish in order to begin the homologation process.

The same applies to the sworn translation of diplomas for secondary education or vocational training. The price of a sworn translation varies according to the number of pages, but the standard turnaround time is 24 to 48 hours for most documents.

Sworn translation of identity and civil documents

The DNI (National Identity Document), passport, residence permit, and driver's license are common documents in immigration and notarial procedures.

The sworn translation of a passport or the sworn translation of a DNI must accurately reproduce all data from the original document, including number, issue date, and expiration date.

Highly requested are also the sworn translation of a birth certificate, the sworn translation of a marriage certificate, and the sworn translation of a death certificate, especially in inheritance processes, family reunification, or civil registry registrations.

Sworn translation of criminal records and administrative documents

To obtain Spanish nationality, renew long-term permits, or apply for certain visas, authorities often require the sworn translation of criminal records issued in the country of origin.

Likewise, the sworn translation of a certificate of registrationis necessary for some consular procedures.

Sworn translation of contracts and legal documents

Companies operating in international markets need sworn translations of contracts, license agreements, articles of association, and powers of attorney.

A sworn translation of legal documentsensures that the text has the same legal force in both languages, which is essential in international arbitration and cross-border transactions.

Sworn translation of payslips and collective agreements

To prove income to foreign financial institutions, apply for mortgages abroad, or submit employment documentation in regularization processes, it is common to need the sworn translation of payslips or collective agreements signed in Spain.

Price:

Certified translations at Mc LEHM express start at €17.95, and the price varies depending on the type of document, the language and the number of pages. The price is automatically updated at the top of the page based on your selection.