Sworn Translation in Spain: Make Your Documents Legally Accepted Without Hassle

Get your Sworn Translation done for Spanish authorities quickly and accurately. Certified translations for visas, work permits, residency, and legal documents, all in one streamlined process.
Globeia
5 mins
November 28, 2025

Imagine preparing your visa, residency application, or work permit in Spain - only to have it delayed or rejected because your documents weren’t translated correctly. From birth certificates to academic records, Spanish authorities require official sworn translation certified by the European Union and Cooperation (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación, MAEC) to ensure every detail is legally recognized. These translations must be completed by a Traductor Jurado (Sworn Translator) officially appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). Mistakes or uncertified translations can mean wasted time, extra costs, and unnecessary stress.

 

This is where Globeia Spain steps in. As a trusted one-stop solution, we handle certified translations, apostilles, and document legalization - all in one seamless process. With Globeia, your documents are accurately translated, officially recognized, and ready for submission, saving you time, headaches, and multiple trips to government offices.

Why Sworn Translation Are Crucial in Spain

When dealing with Spanish authorities whether for visas, work permits, residency applications, or academic enrollment, not just any translation will do. Sworn translations (Traducciones Juradas) are officially certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC) and can only be performed by a Traductor Jurado appointed by the Ministry, and are legally recognized across Spain. They confirm that your documents are accurate, authentic, and acceptable for legal and administrative purposes.

Failing to provide a sworn translation can lead to:

 

  • Rejected visa or residency applications
  • Delays in processing permits or work authorizations
  • Extra costs and repeated submissions

 

For expats, digital nomads, students, and professionals, navigating Spain’s strict documentation requirements can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where Globeia Spain makes the difference. We provide sworn translations (Traducciones Juradas) completed by Traductores Jurados officially appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). By integrating sworn translations with apostilles, background checks, and full document legalization, Globeia delivers a complete, compliant, and submission-ready package - everything you need, seamlessly handled under one roof.

Documents That Typically Require Sworn Translation in Spain

Spanish authorities require official sworn translation for a variety of personal, legal, and professional documents. Some of the most common include:

 

1. Birth and Marriage Certificates

 

  • Required for visa applications, residency permits, and family reunification.
  • Must be translated by a sworn translator to be accepted by Spanish registries.

 

2. Academic Records and Diplomas

 

  • Essential for university admissions, scholarship applications, or professional licensing.
  • Includes transcripts, degree certificates, and diplomas.

 

3. Police Clearance / Background Checks

 

  • FBI reports from the U.S., RCMP certificates from Canada, or other international police checks.
  • Spanish authorities only accept translations performed by certified sworn translators.

 

4. Legal Documents and Contracts

 

  • Contracts, powers of attorney, company registration documents, or court orders.
  • Sworn translation ensure these are enforceable under Spanish law.

 

5. Visa and Residency Applications

 

  • Documents like rental contracts, employment letters, or proof of funds.
  • Must be accurately translated to comply with immigration requirements.

How Globeia Spain Handles Sworn Translation - Step by Step

Step 1: Securely Upload Your Documents Online

 

  • Thanks to Globeia’s SmartForms, clients can securely upload documents from any location within Spain. The platform helps you with the right formats, IDs needed, and documents that should be submitted along with the application. This step takes care of the files being complete, thereby minimizing the likelihood of errors and facilitating the faster processing of the application.

 

Step 2: Assigned to MAEC-Appointed Sworn Translators

 

  • Globeia only collaborates with official sworn translators who have the approval and recognition of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Each one of the translators is responsible for ensuring that your document is faithful, legally certified, and in compliance with the requirements of Spanish authorities. This acceptance is thus guaranteed for visas, work permits, residency, or studies, etc.

 

Step 3: Verification and Legal Formatting

 

  • Globeia only works with official Traductores Jurados who are appointed and authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación, MAEC). These sworn translators are legally empowered to certify translations for use before Spanish authorities.
  • This verification step is a critical one that will eliminate the chance of rejections or delays in immigration, education, or professional applications.

 

Step 4: Optional Bundling with Apostilles and Background Checks

 

  • If you want a complete and ready-to-submit package, Globeia can pair sworn translation with apostilles or international police clearances (FBI, RCMP). This full-service process saves you from making multiple trips to embassies and your documents are guaranteed to be compliant with the Spanish immigration and legal processes.

 

Step 5: Delivery of Completed Translations

 

  • Depending on the needs, clients could either get the translations made available digitally or as printed copies. Every document is officially certified and is therefore accepted by the Spanish authorities, universities or consulates. Globeia takes care of fast, safe, and smooth delivery, making sure that it is ready for immediate submission.

Why Choose Globeia Spain for Sworn Translations

1. Trusted by Expats and Professionals Across Spain

 

Globeia has served 30,000+ clients worldwide, providing sworn translation accepted by Spanish authorities. Expats, digital nomads, students, and professionals rely on Globeia for accurate, legally certified translations that meet official standards for visas, work permits, and residency.

 

2. MAEC-Appointed Sworn Translators

 

All translations are carried out by Traductores Jurados officially appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). This ensures every sworn translation (Traducción Jurada) is legally valid and accepted by consulates, immigration offices, universities, and courts across Spain. 

 

3. Fast Turnaround and Efficient Processing

 

Globeia leverages SmartForms to streamline document submission, cutting processing time significantly. Most sworn translation are delivered within a few business days, making applications for visas, residency, or academic enrollment fast and stress-free.

 

4. One-Stop Solution for All Document Needs

 

Globeia doesn’t just translate documents. Clients can also bundle apostilles, FBI/RCMP police checks, and background verification. This comprehensive service ensures all paperwork is submission-ready in one go, reducing delays and avoiding multiple trips to authorities.

 

5. Secure and Compliant Workflow

 

All documents are handled with 100% GDPR-compliant security, ensuring privacy and data protection. Globeia’s end-to-end tracking allows clients to monitor their translation progress in real time, giving peace of mind and reliability.

Who Needs Sworn Translation in Spain

  • Expats and Digital Nomads: For visas, residency permits, and police clearances, Spanish authorities require officially certified translations.
  • Students and Academic Applicants: Diplomas, transcripts, and certificates must be translated to be accepted by universities and scholarship programs.
  • Professionals and Entrepreneurs: Legal documents, contracts, and certifications need sworn translation for work permits or business registration.
  • Families and Personal Applications: Birth, marriage, and adoption documents must be translated for family reunification or legal matters.

 

Globeia Spain ensures all translations are Ministry-approved, legally valid, and ready for submission, saving time and avoiding delays.

Conclusion

It is very important to have the translation of your documents done correctly for visas, residency, work permits, academic applications, or legal matters in Spain. Globeia Spain offers you the licensed ministry-approved translations, which are accurate, legally recognized, and ready for submission. You can combine translations with apostilles or background checks in one seamless process and eliminate unnecessary delays or rejections. Globeia is your partner for fast, trustworthy, and completely hassle-free paperwork.

FAQs

What is a sworn translation in Spain?

A sworn translation (Traducción Jurada) is an official translation certified by a Traductor Jurado - a translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). These translations carry the translator’s signature, stamp, and official certification, making them legally valid throughout Spain.

Who needs sworn translations?

Expats, digital nomads, students, professionals, and families who need visas, residency, work permits, academic applications, or legal filings in Spain.

How long does a sworn translation take?

Most translations are delivered within a few business days, depending on document length and complexity.

Can Globeia combine translations with other services?

Yes. Globeia can bundle sworn translation with apostilles, FBI/RCMP checks, and background verification, creating a submission-ready package.

Are Globeia translations accepted by Spanish authorities?

Absolutely. All translations are Ministry-approved, fully compliant, and accepted by immigration offices, consulates, universities, and legal authorities in Spain.