The Importance of Legal Sworn Translations in Spain

Today's international businesses require accurate and legally valid translations because these have always been important, especially in official matters. Sworn translations are necessary in legal matters, ensuring that every document is translated by certified professionals, and for this reason, the demand for sworn translations in Spain is continuously growing.

Where is a Sworn Translation needed?

A sworn translation refers to a legally certified translation that is made with the help of an authorized translator that is Ministry of Foreign Affairs accredited. This translation type is required for documents that need to be submitted to official legal entities, educational or medical institutions. The sworn translation is different from the regular translation, the difference being that the sworn translation includes the signature and seal of the translator, proving the authenticity of the document in cause.

Situations When a Sworn Translation is Needed

Sworn translations are typically needed in situations where documents must be presented in an official capacity. Common examples include:

• Birth and marriage certificates for immigration or legal processes.

• Academic transcripts and diplomas for students applying to a foreign institution.

• Contracts and legal agreements for businesses or individuals involved in cross-border transactions.

• Court documents that are required for litigation or other legal procedures.

In these cases, only an officially accredited translator can ensure that the documents meet all the legal standards.

The Importance of Accredited Sworn Translators

Only a translator who is Ministry of Foreign Affairs accredited is permitted to perform sworn translations. These professionals undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate that their language proficiency and understanding capacity meet the legal requirements. Their seal and signature on a translated document can provide the needed assurance that the translation is an accurate and faithful representation of the original document.

The Steps to Obtain a Sworn Translation

The process of obtaining an accredited translation in Spain is simple, you just need to follow these straightforward steps:

1. Contact the translation service provider of your choice with details of your document and the required language.

2. Submit the document, usually this can be done online with a scanned copy or a high-quality photo.

3. Specify the language and the deadline day by which you need the translation.

4. You should receive a quote outlining the cost and expected timeline.

5. If you’re happy with the cost and the deadline, approve the quote to start the translation process.

6. You will receive the completed sworn translation, either via courier or electronically, depending on the delivery method required.

The Best Option for a Sworn Translation

The company of your choice has to be a top-of-the-line provider, that offers sworn translations in any major language. The languages should be internationally spoken languages like English, French and German and even the less commonly spoken languages in Europe such as Arabic, Chinese and Russian. Their team has to be formed of government-accredited translators that can ensure every document is legally valid and recognised by official entities in Spain and other countries.

The Documents Types That Require Sworn Translation

The documents that require authorised translations must always be handled by professionals, and these are a few types of official documents that are required for legal recognition:

• Legal documents like the types of contracts, property deeds and wills.

• Personal documents like marriage or divorce certificates or decrees.

• Educational documents including the likes of diplomas or any type of academic transcripts and degree certificates.

• Business documents such as company financial statuses, statements and regulatory compliance reports.

• Immigration documents like visas and residency permits or passports

These documents have to be translated and written with absolute accuracy to ensure that they hold up in any legal or official procedure.

Delivery Methods: Physical and Digital

Sworn translations in Spain can be delivered in two ways, physical or digital formats that depends on the requirements made by the institution where the document have to be submitted.

• Physical Delivery: every page of the sworn translation is signed and then sealed by the sworn translator; the document is accompanied by a certification statement of originality. This method is universally accepted by most legal, academic, and governmental institutions.

• Digital Delivery: A digital sworn translation includes the translator’s digital signature and may also include a scanned copy of the paper version. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognize the digitally signed translations, making them legally valid for official purposes. However, some institutions might still require the physical document.

The Time Needed to Reach You

A sworn translation undergoes a rigorous research process between writing and arriving to its destination. The time may be depending on different criteria, like the length of the document and the urgency of the request. On average, a translator can write between 2,000 to 3,000 words per day and for urgent requests, the services offered by a professional translation agency can meet even the tightest deadlines without compromising anything quality wise.

Legalisation and Apostille Process

Sworn translations, in some cases, may also need to go through a legalisation process to be recognised abroad. This often involves applying the Hague Apostille to the original document, a sworn translator cannot apply the Apostille themselves and this must be done by the appropriate authority in the country where it originated.

Quality of the Service

The company that you choose has to be a certified translation provider that meet the highest standards, offering solutions in any language available. This means that their network of translators has to be government-accredited. They have to provide solutions custom-made for any specific need with ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certifications, ensuring quality and reliability in the market.

Conclusion

Sworn translations play a crucial role in addressing official legal processes. If you're dealing with any personal, academic or business matter that needs accredited translation services you must choose the trusted companies that will take care of your documents and comply with the legal validity throughout the whole of Europe.