Sworn translation: what is it and when might you need one?

What is a sworn translation?

Difference between plain translation and sworn translation

Although “sworn translation” is often confused with “legal translation”, it is not the same thing. A legal translation is a translation of a legal document (a contract, a court decision, a power of attorney, etc.), whereas a sworn (or certified) translation is a translation that has been validated, stamped and signed by an officially authorised sworn translator and interpreter (traductor-intérprete jurado).

A sworn translation can be of any type of document. In most cases it will be a translation of a legal document because sworn translations are needed when submitting documents required by the authorities, but that need not be the case.

What is a sworn translator? The role of the sworn translator varies from country to country. In Spain, a sworn translator is a translator who has been certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. In Portugal, in contrast, the status of sworn translator does not exist; instead, translations may be certified before a notary.

When do I need a sworn translation?

Translation of legal documents, official records, certificates, etc.

In Spain, when a document has to be submitted to the authorities but is written in a language other than Spanish, a sworn translation into Spanish will usually be required. Typical examples include wills and inheritances, birth certificates, university degrees, tax documents, contracts, identity documents, passports, deeds and powers of attorney.

Recently, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a demand for sworn translations of the negative PCR test result that travellers are required to present on arrival in some countries.

Do you need a sworn translation?

Contact us

If you need a sworn translation or are not sure whether you need one, we will be happy to help. We will clear up any doubts and if it turns out you do need a sworn translation, we will make sure you receive it on time (we know that when submitting official documents, time is of the essence).

We will deliver the sworn translation in both print and electronic format. For some language combinations, we do not charge any extra above the cost of a plain (non-certified) translation.

Ask us! We will get back to you.