It is common to receive a request for a "certified translation" of a birth certificate when, in fact, the Spanish authority requires a sworn translation. These terms are frequently confused, especially among clients from English-speaking countries. The difference between them is explained below.
Sworn translation (Spain)
This is carried out by a translator-interpreter officially appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, after passing an examination or holding a specific qualification. It bears the translator's signature (handwritten or electronic), stamp and a formal certification, and has the status of a public document, with full validity before any Spanish authority, court, university or notary.
"Certified translation" (English-speaking countries)
In the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada or Australia, the concept of a "sworn translator" as an official figure does not exist in the same way. There, a "certified translation" is simply a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator (or agency) affirming that it is accurate and complete — without an official appointment equivalent to the Spanish one. This is why, when someone from the US or the UK requests a "certified translation" for use in Spain, what they actually need is a Spanish sworn translation, not a certified translation in the Anglo-Saxon sense.
Simple translation
This is a translation with no official certification: valid for informational or internal use, but not accepted by official bodies whenever the procedure requires sworn status (nationality, degree recognition, civil registry, court proceedings, notarial deeds, and so on).
| Type | Valid before official bodies in Spain? |
|---|---|
| Sworn translation | Yes, always |
| Foreign "certified translation" | No, except specific exceptions |
| Simple translation | No |
If the document is addressed to a Spanish authority, court, university or notary, a sworn translation is almost certainly required — not a certified translation and not a simple one.
How can I find out exactly what is required?
The most reliable approach is to ask the requesting authority directly ("do you require a sworn translation by a translator appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"). If there is any doubt, the exact wording of the requirement can be sent for confirmation on whether it matches what is offered.
Not sure which type of translation you need?
Share the procedure and the authority it is being submitted to, and confirmation will be given on whether a sworn translation is required.