Certified vs Sworn Translation: Differences Explained

Need translations for Spanish documents? Here's what you need to know in 30 seconds:

Key Differences:

Quick Guide:

• Need docs for Spanish government? → Get sworn translation
• Just need professional translation? → Certified is fine
• Working with Spanish courts? → Must be sworn
• Sending your CV to Spanish companies? → Certified works

Warning: Using the wrong type can get your documents rejected and cost you time and money. Spanish authorities only accept sworn translations for official purposes.

Want to know the details? Keep reading for costs, requirements, and how to find the right translator.

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What is Certified Translation

A certified translation combines a word-for-word translation with a signed statement that confirms everything matches the original. It's that simple.

Think of it like this: You get the translated document PLUS proof that someone checked it carefully.

In the U.S., any qualified translator can do this work - no special government badge needed.

Here's what you get:

• A complete translation
• A signed Certificate of Accuracy

Who Can Do This Work?

In the U.S., translators don't need fancy government approval. But they DO need:

• Strong skills in both languages
• Knowledge of technical and legal terms
• Experience with official papers
• The ability to translate with 100% accuracy

When Do You Need One?

Here are the most common documents that need certified translation:

"Some end users of certified translations may request or require that 'the translation be notarized.' This is actually a misnomer as the translation cannot be notarized." - American Translators Association

Here's something interesting: The American Translators Association says that 60%+ of certified translations come from legal and medical fields. Makes sense - in these areas, even tiny mistakes can cause BIG problems.

What is Sworn Translation

A sworn translation in Spain is an official document translated by a translator with MAEC certification (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation). These translations are legally valid for official use in Spain.

Key Requirements

According to Royal Decree 724/2020, every sworn translation needs:

These translations work directly with Spanish authorities - no extra steps needed. They:

• Work in courts
• Work for government paperwork
• Don't need notary approval
• Don't expire

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Getting Certified

Want to become a sworn translator? Here's what it takes:

The MAEC test isn't easy. You'll face:

• 3 written translations (2 without a dictionary)
• Questions from an exam board
• Legal content focus

Making It Official

Each translation follows these steps:

"No sworn translation = no official recognition in Spain" - MAEC Guidelines

Sworn translators work on their own but must keep their MAEC status current. They can only translate between Spanish and their certified languages.

Main Differences Between Both Types

Here's how certified and sworn translations stack up:

Legal Status

Here's what you need to know:

Certified translations don't automatically work for legal stuff in Spain. But sworn translations? They're good to go, thanks to Spanish law (Royal Decree 724/2020).

Required Skills

Cost and Time

Let's break down the money and time factors:

"No sworn translation = no official recognition in Spain" - MAEC Guidelines

Bottom line: Need something for Spanish legal stuff? You MUST get a sworn translation. Certified translations work fine for many things, but they won't cut it for Spanish legal requirements without extra steps.

Which Documents Need Which Translation

Let's break down what type of translation you need for different documents in Spain:

For Certified Translation

These documents need a professional translator's stamp - but don't require legal validation:

For Sworn Translation

You'll need sworn translations for anything that goes through official Spanish channels:

"I needed a sworn translation for my NLV visa. Dan got me a sworn translation of my FBI background check in two hours - his translator was on the official list and the consulate accepted it right away." - Derric S., Ontario CA

International Documents

Here's what you need to do with documents from other countries:

What You Need to Know:

• Only use MAEC-approved sworn translators
• Get your apostille or legalization first
• Keep your original documents with the translations
• Most Spanish consulates want sworn translations (but Miami accepts certified ones)

"Dan saved me money by telling me certified translation was fine for my Miami consular visa application. He was right - got my visa and I'm now in Spain." - Andrea Q., Orlando FL

Need help? Services like Find My Lawyer can connect you with qualified legal translators who know Spain's document requirements inside and out.

Spanish Laws and Finding Translators

Spanish Translation Laws

Here's what you need to know about Spain's translation rules under Royal Decree 724/2020:

How to Pick Your Translator

Here's what matters when choosing a translator:

Here's what you MUST do:

• Ask to see their past work
• Get prices in writing
• Make sure they know your document type
• Lock in your deadline

Where to Find Translators

Here's where to look:

Remember these points:

• Stick to MAEC-listed translators
• Keep your original docs
• Get digital backups
• Always get written quotes

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says: "Official Translators are in higher demand than ever as legal translation needs grow in today's economy."

Next Steps

Here's what you need to know about translation services and costs:

Want to get started? Here's your step-by-step guide:

1. Check What You Need

Get the exact requirements from your agency. Know your deadlines and keep your original documents handy.

2. Pick Your Translator

Head to the Ministry website to find MAEC-certified translators. Get quotes from at least 3 different services.

3. Send Your Documents

Provide clear copies and spell out exactly what you need. Set a firm delivery date.

4. Check Everything

Look over names, dates, and stamps/seals. Give yourself 1-2 days for review.

Here's what different services cost:

Most sworn translations take 24-48 hours, depending on how long and complex your document is.

Pro Tips:

• Try Translayte for fast service (they're rated 4.6/5)
• Book early - busy seasons mean longer waits
• Keep digital copies
• Need it fast? Rush service costs extra

Before you start, make sure you have:

• Your original documents
• Clean copies
• Clear instructions
• Your deadline
• Payment info

Need help with legal or immigration papers? Find My Lawyer's directory lists pre-screened translation experts for both certified and sworn translations in Spain.

FAQs

What is the difference between sworn and certified translation?

Let's break down how sworn and certified translations work in Spain:

In Spain, you MUST use sworn translations (done by Ministry of Foreign Affairs certified translators) for:

• Immigration papers
• Court documents
• University paperwork
• Civil registry files
• Bank forms

"Only a translation provided by a sworn translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs bears 'official' status and is legally valid to be submitted in Spain before public entities, universities, notaries public, etc."

Here's a simple way to think about it:

Need to show your marriage certificate to Spanish officials? Get a sworn translation. Sending your CV to a Spanish company? A certified translation will do the job.

Bottom line: Go with sworn translation for anything involving Spanish government offices. Pick certified translation when you just need a professional translation with an accuracy certificate.

Related posts

• How to Register a Trademark in Spain: Step-by-Step Guide
• Validity of Foreign Wills in Spain
• Certified Translation in Spain: When, Where, How
• Sworn Translators in Spain: Roles & Qualifications