Sworn Spanish Translations
Certain Spanish visa application documents must be submitted in Spanish. Therefore, documents issued in English, such as your criminal background check and Apostille, must be translated into Spanish. Exact translation requirements vary by consulate however, increasingly, all consulates require translations are done by sworn Spanish translators.
In other words, you can’t just ask for help from your Spanish speaking friend, unless said friend happens to be a sworn Spanish translator.
So what, exactly, does it mean for translators to be “sworn?” Sworn Spanish translators are officially recognized by and registered with the government of Spain. As such, their translations are legal and acceptable by Spanish government offices worldwide with no further authentication, notarization or Apostille required.
Sworn translations follow a precise protocol. Their completed translation will include the following.
- A scan/photocopy of the original document
- The translator’s signature
- The translator’s official stamp
- A copy of their oath on the final page declaring that the translation is a complete and faithful representation of the original document
Get Our List of Sworn Spanish Translators!
Ensure your application documents are translated in compliance with consulate mandates. Enter your email for Family Move Abroad’s recommended sworn Spanish translators.
Certified Translators Aren’t (Necessarily) Sworn Translators
As you’re doing your visa application research, you’ve probably come across the term “certified translator.” A certified translator is not (necessarily) a sworn translator.
Unlike Spain, the US doesn’t have a certifying body for translators. (This is true for many other nations as well.) Instead, certifications, if any, are issued by private industry entities. The American Translators Association is the most typical of these in the US. They don’t bear any legal distinction, but in theory, should better ensure accurate and acceptable translations of your documents. Therefore, unlike in Spain, there is no “sworn American translator.” (And even if there were, that wouldn’t unto itself make them a sworn Spanish translator, unless that individual took the additional steps to become a registered Spanish translator.)
Family Move Abroad recommends working with sworn Spanish translators only. This is the best way to ensure your translations will be accepted without question.
If, instead, you opt for a certified translator — as opposed to a sworn one — ask the translator to provide a notarized statement attesting to their execution and accuracy of their translations, along with a reference to their professional credentials. This act of notarizing their translations is what “certifies” them for legal use. Bear in mind, however, such translations might not be acceptable at all consulates. Further, they could pose issues for later use once in Spain
Contact Translators to Get a Quote
Family Move Abroad recommends contacting at least two sworn translators, perhaps even three if your translation needs are particularly hefty. When doing so:
- Tell them your time frame — when you plan to apply and when you expect to have your various documents requiring translation in hand.
- Ideally, provide an exact list of the items you expect to translate.
- Ask for a quote and turn around time. Most translators charge by the page, others work on a package price. Some will discount pages that are almost identical, such as Apostilles. Others won’t.
- Finally, verify their delivery protocols. Translators work from scans of your original documents that you relay through a secure, shared cloud drive or email. Some translators will physically mail you their printed translations. Others will send signed, stamped, color digital files that you must print yourself.
- How to printing “original” documents you only receive electronically is explained in detail in How to Organize Your Spanish Visa Application Paperwork.
Concerned about what to translate? Confused how to order specific documentation? Do you have a personal situation that might warrant presenting additional information to the consulate? Contact Family Move Abroad for a private consultation. No minimum time commitment! You pay only for the time you use.
Get Our List of Sworn Spanish Translators!
Ensure your application documents are translated in compliance with consulate mandates. Enter your email for Family Move Abroad’s recommended sworn Spanish translators.