If you are moving to Spain or applying for any kind of visa or residency, you will almost certainly hear the words “sworn translation” at some point. But what does that actually mean?
A sworn translator is an official translator who has been certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This certification means that any translation they produce carries legal weight and is officially recognised by Spanish authorities. It is not simply someone who speaks two languages well. It is a qualified professional whose work is legally binding. They must be registered on the official database where you can double check their ID number on there too.
Below is a photo of what a sworn translated document should have to prove that the translator is on the official register.
When you submit documents to Spanish immigration offices, anything that is not in Spanish must be accompanied by a sworn translation. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, degree certificates, bank documents, and more. A regular translation, even a very accurate one, will not be accepted.
Spain’s immigration authorities need to be able to verify that the translation is accurate and that it has been produced by someone officially accountable for its contents. A sworn translator provides exactly that guarantee.
In short, using a sworn translator is not optional for immigration purposes in Spain. It is a legal requirement, and skipping this step is one of the most common reasons applications get delayed or rejected.
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