Sworn Translation of Employment Certificates and Contracts

Relocation, work-based residence procedures and the recognition of professional experience before Spanish authorities frequently require the sworn translation of employment documentation issued abroad. This includes employment certificates, employment contracts and, increasingly, certificates of earnings from freelance work platforms.

Employment documents translated most often

• Employment certificate: a document issued by the employer confirming position, length of service and, sometimes, salary.
• Employment contract: the full contractual document, which may include annexes and specific conditions.
• Certificate of earnings: common among freelancers who invoice through international platforms.

These documents are often requested alongside others — employment history letters, payslips or company letters — as part of a single relocation file managed by international mobility consultancies.

When is this translation required?

The most common cases are employed residence procedures, intra-company international transfers, and professional experience recognition procedures. It is also requested in immigration procedures where continuity of employment or financial means must be proven.

When a file combines several documents (employment certificate, contract and payslips), sending them together helps coordinate turnaround and avoid fragmented quotes.

Does the document need to be apostilled before translation?

It depends on the receiving authority and the country of origin. Some procedures require the original to carry the Hague Apostille before sworn translation; others accept it afterwards. When in doubt, it is worth confirming with the authority requesting the document before starting the process.

Is the company letterhead or logo also translated?

The sworn translation faithfully reflects all textual content of the document, including letterheads, stamps and any handwritten notes, in line with standard sworn translation practice in Spain.