Expert Document Translation into Spanish for Your Global Success

In Spain, official documents often require a sworn translation (traducción jurada) completed by a translator appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It carries a stamp and signature and is accepted by courts, immigration, universities, and registries. Always confirm the requirement with the authority requesting your documents.

In Catalonia, many local institutions accept either Spanish (Castilian) or Catalan. For submissions to national bodies, applications outside Catalonia, or multinational companies, Spanish is usually safer. When in doubt, ask the receiving authority which language they prefer to avoid delays or duplicate translations.

Market rates vary by complexity, format, and urgency. As a guide, non‑sworn translations often range from €0.08–€0.14 per word, while sworn translations typically cost €40–€80 per page. Prices are set by individual providers, and payment is arranged directly with them—always request a written quote.

Short general documents are commonly delivered within 24–48 hours; sworn translations usually take 1–3 working days. Same‑day or weekend service may be possible for a surcharge. If a paper original is required, allow extra time for printing, stamping, and courier delivery.

Check specialisation (legal, medical, academic), years of experience, and recent references or reviews. Ask about quality controls—terminology research, proofreading by a second linguist, and use of style guides. For official documents, confirm the translator is authorised for sworn translations when required.

Common examples include birth, marriage and divorce certificates, criminal record checks, powers of attorney, court judgments, academic diplomas and transcripts, and company documents for registries. Immigration and nationality procedures often require sworn translations too. Always follow the specific checklist from the receiving institution.

Many authorities in Spain accept electronically signed sworn translations (PDFs with a recognised digital certificate). Some still request a paper copy bearing the translator’s stamp and wet signature. Check the submission rules early to decide whether you need courier delivery or if a secure PDF is enough.

Editable files (e.g., Word) usually speed up workflows and lower costs versus scanned PDFs. For certificates, provide clear, complete scans of every page and side, including stamps and margins. Share deadlines, target country, and any preferred terminology to avoid rework and extra charges.

If your foreign document is destined for Spanish authorities, it often needs an apostille or legalisation on the original before translation. For documents used abroad, a notary’s certification or additional legalisation might be required. Always confirm the legalisation steps with the receiving authority first.

Professional translators and agencies follow GDPR, limit access to files, and can sign NDAs on request. Ask about secure transfer options, encryption, and data retention periods. Avoid sending irreplaceable originals unless absolutely necessary; high‑resolution scans are usually sufficient for quoting and preparation.