Sworn Translators in Spain 2025: Complete Guide to Certified Translations

What is a sworn translator?

A sworn translator (traductor jurado or traductor-intérprete jurado) is a professional officially certified by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to perform translations that have legal and official validity.

Their translations are recognized by all Spanish institutions and have the same legal value as the original document. This means you won't need any other type of additional validation or certification.

Sworn translators are the only professionals authorized to:

• Translate documents for immigration procedures
• Perform translations for judicial processes
• Certify translations for official bodies
• Translate academic documents for degree recognition

When do you need a sworn translator?

You'll need sworn translations for practically any official foreign document you submit in Spain.

Spanish authorities require these certified translations to guarantee the authenticity and accuracy of foreign documents. The most common cases include:

Immigration and visa procedures:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage or single status certificates
• Criminal background checks
• Medical certificates
• Work contracts
• Economic support documents

Academic procedures:

• University diplomas and degrees
• Academic transcripts and records
• Documents for degree recognition
• Language certificates

Legal and notarial procedures:

• Powers of attorney
• Real estate contracts
• Inheritance documents
• Death certificates

Commercial procedures:

• Company bylaws
• Commercial documents
• Commercial registry certificates

Differences between sworn translators and regular translators

It's important to understand the difference between an official sworn translator and a regular translator. This distinction can be crucial for the success of your procedures.

The following table summarizes the main differences:

How to verify a translator is officially sworn

Verifying the authenticity of a sworn translator is a fundamental step you shouldn't skip. Using a non-certified translator can result in document rejection and costly delays in your procedures.

You can verify certification in several ways:

1. Official MAEC list

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains an official list of all sworn translator-interpreters. Our translator directory is based on this official list and is regularly updated.

2. Elements a sworn translation must have:

• Official seal - With the translator's registration number
• Handwritten signature - From the sworn translator
• Oath formula - Standard text certifying the translation
• Translator details - Full name and TIJ number
• Translation date - Must be clear and legible

3. TIJ number

Each sworn translator has a unique number (TIJ - Traductor Intérprete Jurado) assigned by MAEC. You can verify this number on the official list.

Sworn translation process step by step

The process of getting a sworn translation is quite straightforward if you follow the correct steps. We'll guide you through the entire process:

Step 1: Prepare your original documents

Before contacting a translator, it's essential that your documents are in perfect condition and properly legalized.

Make sure your documents are:

• Legalized or apostilled in your country of origin
• In good condition (legible, without stains)
• Complete (including official seals and signatures)

Step 2: Contact a sworn translator

Once you have your documents prepared, it's time to find the right translator for your language combination.

Use our sworn translator finder to locate a certified translator for your language and location. Contact directly to:

• Request a quote
• Confirm availability
• Agree on delivery times

Step 3: Send the documents

The shipping method will depend on the importance of your documents and the translator's preferences.

You can send documents:

• In person - For very important documents
• By certified mail - With return receipt
• By email - High-quality scans (only if translator accepts)

Step 4: Payment and delivery

Payment and delivery terms are quite standard in the industry, though they may vary slightly between translators.

Most translators require:

• Advance payment (50-100%)
• Delivery time: 3-7 business days
• Hand delivery or certified mail

Sworn translation costs in Spain

Sworn translation prices can vary considerably according to several factors. It's important to understand these factors to budget correctly for your expenses.

The elements that most influence price are language, urgency, and document complexity:

Typical rates per page (2025):

• Common languages (English, French, German): €25-30 per page
• European languages (Italian, Portuguese): €28-33 per page
• Less common languages (Chinese, Arabic, Russian): €35-45 per page
• Rare languages: €45-60 per page

Factors affecting price:

• Urgency - 24-48 hour delivery: +50-100%
• Complexity - Technical or legal documents: +20-30%
• Volume - Discounts for multiple documents: -10-20%
• Location - Madrid and Barcelona tend to be more expensive

Tips for preparing your documents

Good preparation of your documents can save you time, money, and complications. Here are practical tips to optimize the process:

Before sending for translation:

• Verify the apostille - Must be present and legible
• Scan backup copies - For security
• Group by language - More efficient and economical
• Indicate intended use - Visa, university, work, etc.

Information you should provide:

• Document type and country of origin
• Delivery deadline
• Number of copies needed
• Preferred delivery method

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration. Learn from others' experience to have a smoother process:

1. Using non-certified translators

Spanish authorities will reject any translation that isn't from an official sworn translator.

2. Translating documents without apostille

Documents must be apostilled BEFORE translating. If you translate first, you'll have to apostille afterward and might require new translation.

3. Not verifying specialization

Some translators specialize in certain types of documents. Make sure they have experience with your document type.

4. Waiting until the last moment

Sworn translators are usually busy. Contact at least 2 weeks in advance.

5. Not requesting multiple copies

It's cheaper to request several certified copies at the same time than to make new translations later.

Special considerations by language

Depending on the language of your documents, the process may have different characteristics in terms of availability, price, and delivery time:

English documents:

• Greater availability of translators
• More competitive prices
• Faster delivery possible

Chinese, Arabic, or Russian documents:

• Fewer available translators
• Higher prices
• Longer delivery times
• Possible need to send to other cities

Latin American documents:

• Many specialized translators
• Knowledge of specific formats
• Moderate prices

What to do if your translation is rejected

Although it's rare when all correct steps are followed, occasionally a sworn translation may be rejected by authorities.

If an institution rejects your sworn translation, it may be due to:

Original document problems:

• Document not correctly apostilled
• Illegible or damaged document
• Missing crucial information

Translation problems:

• Translator not officially certified
• Errors in seal or signature
• Missing oath formula

Solutions:

• Contact the translator for corrections
• Request new translation if necessary
• Verify the translator is on the official list
• If the problem persists, find another sworn translator

Conclusion

Sworn translations are an indispensable requirement for most official procedures in Spain. Although the process may seem intimidating at first, following the correct steps makes it quite straightforward.

Choosing the right translator and properly preparing your documents will save you time, money, and bureaucratic problems that can significantly delay your plans.

Remember:

• Only use officially certified translators
• Apostille your documents before translating
• Plan in advance
• Always verify the translator's authenticity

With your documentation correctly translated, you'll be one step closer to successfully completing your immigration process to Spain.

Need help with other aspects of your immigration process? Check out our guides on student visas or how to get your NIE.