Official translation for Spain
A translation signed and stamped by a sworn translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What it is calledSworn translation (traducción jurada)
Who can sign it
Only a Traductor-Intérprete Jurado appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) for that language. Sworn translations into Catalan, Basque or Galician are handled by translators authorised by the regional governments.
What it must contain
The translation carries the translator’s certification, signature and stamp, with a copy of the original attached and stamped. It is valid throughout Spain with no further legalisation.
Who asks for it
Immigration offices (Extranjería, UGE), the Ministry of Justice for nationality, civil registries, universities and the Ministry of Universities for degree recognition, courts and notaries.
Apostille and legalisation
Spain is a member of the Apostille Convention. Foreign public documents normally need an apostille (or consular legalisation) before translation, and the apostille is translated too.
These guides summarise published requirements and are for general information. Rules change and individual offices can ask for more, so the receiving authority always has the final word.
Other countries
United States
A complete English translation with a signed certificate of accuracy from the translator.
Read the guide →United Kingdom
A translation confirmed in writing by the translator or translation company as true and accurate.
Read the guide →France
A translation by a translator registered as an expert with a French Court of Appeal.
Read the guide →Germany
A translation by a translator sworn in before a German regional court.
Read the guide →Italy
A translation sworn by the translator before an Italian court clerk, justice of the peace or notary.
Read the guide →Portugal
A translation certified before a Portuguese notary, lawyer or solicitor, or by a consulate.
Read the guide →Canada
A translation by a certified member of a provincial translators’ association, or one backed by an affidavit.
Read the guide →Australia
A translation by a translator credentialed by NAATI, the Australian accreditation authority.
Read the guide →Mexico
A Spanish translation by an expert translator authorised by a Mexican state or federal court.
Read the guide →Brazil
A Portuguese translation by a public translator registered with a Brazilian state board of trade.
Read the guide →United Arab Emirates
An Arabic translation by a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Read the guide →