Which type of translation is required for Spain: Sworn Translation or Certified Translation?
After translating for Spain or the Spanish consulates of Spain in the United States for over seventeen years, my small team and I have answered this question many, many times, and these two terms often cause more confusion that any other Spanish visa issues: are sworn translation and US based certified translation the same? No, they are not. Understanding the difference between these two types is essential for those seeking to submit documents for a long-term visa to Spain, a Spanish student visa, the ever so popular digital nomad visa or the NLV, which is the Spanish non-lucrative visa, and more importantly, submitting a translation that will be accepted is even more crucial. You don’t want to do all the work and find out later that your translation, although 100% accurate, is rejected due to a certification issue. Additionally, finding a sworn translator in the United States (or even in Spain) can be very challenging. As a citizen of the United States, I am ineligible to be a sworn translation and provide US based certified, notarized translations; nonetheless, I have several sworn translators on my team who are registered with the government of Spain. Together, my team and I can provide the correct translation for your Spanish visa, no issues, no problems, guaranteed, and I wrote this page to help others with the ever so common question regarding the difference between certified translation and sworn translation for Spain.
Order a Sworn Translation of an FBI Background Check
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Dan H., Ph.D., Certified US Based Translator, Sworn Translation Coordinator
(877) 374-0095 (office) info@sespanish.com
Needed sworn translation for my NLV visa and called everyone on the list from the ministry of foreign affairs (the Spanish consulate of LA gave me a list), and no one called me back. I called Dan, he provided a sworn translation (his translator was on the list) of my FBI background check in two hours, which was accepted at the consulate. Doesn’t get any better than that!
Derric S., Ontario CA
Let’s jump into the basics: sworn translation (traducción jurada) refers to a translation that has been certified (or completed) by a sworn translator who has been authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in Spain. This type of translation is typically required for the translation of legal documents or immigration documents, such as FBI background checks, legal contracts, employment documents, financial documents, marriage and birth certificates, or court rulings, all of which need to be translated with legal validity for use in Spain. The key point here is for us within the borders of Spain. Again: for us in Spain. On the other hand, US based certified translation for Spain simply means that the translation has been certified by a translation agency based in the United States, which is certified and notarized in some cases.
While both types of translation serve their purpose, it is vital to choose the appropriate option based on your specific needs or the requirements of your particular Spanish visa. Sworn translation ensures legal authenticity and validity within Spain, while US based certified translation provides a reliable and accurate translation service within the US, even at most Spanish consulates, except Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation Summary:
Sworn Translation is for use in Spain, the Spanish consulates of Los Angeles, San Francisco and, in odd cases, other Spanish Consulates. US based certified, notarized translation is for use at all other Spanish consulates, such as Houston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Boston and the Embassy of Spain in Washington DC. Private companies, schools and other non-government agencies in Spain may also accept US based certified translation.
Really, Really Simple Sworn Translation vs Certified Translation Summary:
- Spain or Spanish Consulates in LA or SF = Sworn Translation
- Government Agencies in Spain, Civil Registries, and similar = Sworn Translation
- All other consulates = US Based Certified Translation
- Some schools in Spain, Private Businesses, Non-Government Agencies in Spain = US Based Certified Translation
- Note: always best to double check as rules change often.
Understanding the difference between sworn translation and certified translation
When it comes to translating legal documents, FBI background checks, financial documents for use in Spain, it’s important to understand the difference between sworn translation and certified translation. Sworn translation is a type of translation that is carried out by a translator who has been essentially certified in Spain by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. This means that the translator has taken an oath to provide accurate and faithful translations for use in Spain. Additionally, the translator must be a citizen of Spain, have a degree in translation from a Spanish college and have an office and/or residence in Spain. For that reason, it can be hard to find a sworn translator in the United States, which makes sworn translations even more complicated.
Talked to my attorney, read a dozens websites, and I found myself even more confused. Called Dan, a few minutes later, I felt confident moving forward with a sworn translation of my documents.
Rafael S., Denver CO
On the other hand, certified translation refers to a translation that has been certified by a certified translator or translation agency here in the United States. This type of translation does not require the translator to be sworn in by any government agency. Instead, the translation agency certifies the accuracy and authenticity of the translation by means of a translator’s affidavit or similar. US based certified translations are allowed for must translation needs withing the United States, including US immigration, courts, and so on. I have been a certified translator in the US since 2007, so I have pretty much seen it all.
It’s important to note that the requirements for sworn translation may vary from country to country. In Spain, for example, sworn translation is required for legal documents to be considered valid in a court of law. US based certified translation, on the other hand, provides a reliable and accurate translation service for documents that do not require legal validity within Spain. I mentioned earlier that translations used in Spain should be sworn translation, which is correct 90% of the time; however, schools and private business are more flexible and will often accept US based translations. In Spain, when in doubt, get a sworn translation.
Sworn translation for Spain
In Spain, sworn translation plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and legality of translated documents. Sworn translators in Spain are individuals who have been authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, or by the corresponding regional government. These translators are recognized by the Spanish government and are responsible for providing accurate and faithful translations of legal documents. Not everyone can be a sworn translator – requirements include being a Spanish citizen, having a degree from a Spanish college or university, and having an office and residence in Spain. I have a Ph.D. in Spanish, was a tenured college professor for twenty years, and have been a professional translator for seventeen years; however, I am not eligible to be sworn translator as citizen and resident of the US, plus I didn’t go to school in Spain or have a residence there.
Sworn Translation for use in Spain, Spanish Consulate of Los Angeles, or San Francisco
Sworn translation in Spain is required for various legal documents, including contracts, certificates, court rulings, and other official documents. The translation must be carried out by a sworn translator who is registered with the relevant government authority. This ensures that the translated document is legally valid and can be used in a court of law, immigration matters, dual citizenship, and so on.
US-based certified translation for Spain
While sworn translation is required most of the time in Spain, US-based certified translation provides a reliable and accurate translation option for documents that do not require legal validity within Spain. US-based translation agencies have a team of professional translators who are fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring accurate and faithful translations.
Certified translation by a US-based agency is often used for personal documents, academic transcripts, business materials, and other non-legal documents. These translations are certified by the agency, guaranteeing their accuracy and authenticity.
Certified Translation: FBI Background Check Translation and Federal Apostille Translation
When choosing a US-based certified translation service for your translation needs in Spain, it’s important to ensure that the agency has a strong reputation and a proven track record of providing accurate and reliable translations. Look for agencies that have experienced translators, a quality assurance process, and positive customer reviews.
Benefits of using sworn translation services or a sworn translator
There are several benefits of using sworn translation services for your legal document translations in Spain. First, sworn translation provides legal validity, ensuring that the translated document can be used in a court of law or with the government of Spain. This is particularly important for contracts, court rulings, and other legal documents. If you are unsure and submitting in Spain, sworn translation is always the way to go.
Second, sworn translators have a deep understanding of legal terminology and concepts, ensuring accurate and faithful translations. They are familiar with the legal system and can accurately convey the legal implications of the original document.
Third, sworn translation services provide an added layer of confidence and reliability. By choosing a sworn translator authorized by the relevant government authority, you can be assured that the translation meets the legal requirements and is of high quality.
Benefits of using US-based certified translation services or certified translator
While sworn translation is essential for most documents in Spain, US-based certified translation services offer several benefits for translation to Spanish for use at the consulates (except LA and SF). First, certified translation by a reputable agency ensures accurate and reliable translations. These agencies have a team of professional translators who are fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring accurate and faithful translations.
Second, US-based certified translation services provide a convenient and efficient translation process that may cost much less than sworn translation. You can simply submit to a local translator here in the states, such as us. This saves you time and effort compared to finding a local sworn translator in Spain.
Was planning on ordering sworn translation for my consular visa in Miami, and Dan advised me that certified translation was okay there, and it was. Got my visa and I am in Spain now.
Andrea Q., Orlando FL
Also, certified translation services offer flexibility and versatility. Whether you need personal documents, academic transcripts, or business materials translated, a US-based agency can cater to your specific needs. They have experience in a wide range of industries and can provide translations that meet your requirements.
Conclusion and Summary
When it comes to translating legal documents for Spain, understanding the difference between sworn translation and US-based certified translation is essential. Sworn translation provides legal authenticity and validity within Spain, while US-based certified translation offers a reliable and accurate translation service for non-legal documents or use at the consulates in the US (except for LA and SF).
There is literally no one anywhere who knows more about translation than Dan. Truly glad to have worked directly with him!
Matthew B,. Portland, OR
Again, always double check; however, the basics answer is that Sworn Translation is for use in Spain, the Spanish consulates of Los Angeles, San Francisco and, in odd cases, other Spanish Consulates. US based certified, notarized translation is for use at all other Spanish consulates, such as Houston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Boston and the Embassy of Spain in Washington DC. Private companies, schools and other non-government agencies in Spain may also accept US based certified translation.
As a certified professional translator and partner with several sworn translators, if you need translation for Spain, we have you covered one way or the other.
Notes:
- Dan Hickman, Ph.D. has translated for over seventeen years, and has advanced degrees in Spanish, Business and Linguistics. He was a tenured professor of Spanish for many years.
- Sworn translation does not include apostille service, that is, state or federal apostilles; however, we can obtain them in an expedite way and have done so for many years.