Sworn Translation
The translation has legal validity in different contexts such as in court, immigration proceedings, legal and administrative procedures, etc.
It is carried out by a sworn translator who is accredited by the government, acts practically as a notary of the translation and certifies the accuracy and precision of the translation by means of their signature and official stamp.
Sworn translation services
What are Sworn Translations?
At Word Works, we are aware that sworn translations are required in situations where the legalisation of documents abroad is required, such as in immigration processes, studying abroad, legal and commercial procedures, etc. That’s why our sworn translation service is based on two clear premises: reliability and speed of delivery.
It is important to know, in all cases, what the sworn translation will be used for and where it will be used, including how many times. At Word Works, we have extensive experience in the management of sworn documentation for different parts of the world.
Although each country has its own conditions, in the over 30 years of providing this service, we have compiled the necessary information to ensure that documentation is properly certified and legalised wherever it is needed.
Types of documents for sworn translations
- Foreign contracts or company certificates that need to be presented to a Spanish authority for validation.
- Academic certificates, medical certificates and criminal records.
- Documentation provided in naturalisation proceedings.
Wills granted abroad, birth, marriage and death certificates. - Residence permits.
- Powers of attorney granted abroad.
- Degrees and Diplomas
- Files and notes
- Birth
- Family book
- Criminal records
- Marriage
- ID card / passport
- Single status
- Death
- Deeds
- Annual accounts
Sworn translation under ISO standards
Word Works was the first translation company in Spain to obtain ISO 9001 certification for its comprehensive quality control processes.
The ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 quality standards are international standards specifically setting requirements for quality management and translation.
In addition to these two standards, Word Works has the ISO 18587 standard, which is specific to the professional and quality use of machine translation engines.
These standards are of great importance in the sworn translation process and we know this at Word Works, which is why we offer specialised services in these areas and take quality very seriously.
ISO 9001 for general quality processes.
ISO 17100 for quality applied directly to the management and execution of translation projects.
ISO 18587 for quality applied to the tools used in machine translation processes. (🔗)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if a translation is sworn?
Depending on the intended use. If a translation is to be used in legal proceedings, it needs to be certified by a sworn translator. If the translation is of an informative or expository nature, for example, it doesn’t need to be sworn.
The best way to be sure is to get in touch with our team and have a chat. With more information, we’ll be able to tell you how best to proceed and whether or not you need a sworn translation.
How do you do a sworn translation?
What is a sworn translator or sworn interpreter?
Who can provide a sworn translation?
Who guarantees the preparation and suitability of sworn translators?
What is the value of translations carried out by sworn translators?
Translations produced by sworn translators have a legal and official value that is recognised by the authorities. In other words, once a translator has been appointed and registered as a sworn translator, their translations are valid in any field where an official translation is required, such as administrative, judicial or academic procedures.
Sworn translations are a guarantee that the original document and its translation have the same legal value and that the translation is faithful to and accurate regarding the original.
Who or which bodies usually require sworn translations?
Sworn translations are usually required by official bodies such as consulates, embassies, courts, notaries and public administrations, etc.
They may also be required for studies, visa applications, naturalisation processes and other legal procedures.
Some private companies may also request sworn translations for official documents regarding their business activity, such as international contracts, quality certificates, patents and trademark registrations.
In general, any document that needs to be legally valid in another country and is written in a language other than that of the country of destination may require a sworn translation.
Does every foreign document to be submitted as evidence in a lawsuit have to have a sworn translation?
It depends on the country and the type of process in question.
Generally speaking, if the original document is written in a language other than the official language of the country where it is submitted, a sworn translation may be required for it to be accepted as evidence in legal proceedings.
However, the rules may vary depending on the country and the type of proceedings in question, so it is advisable to find out in advance about the specific sworn translation requirements in each case.
Which legal documents don't need a sworn translation?
In general, legal documents that don’t require a sworn translation are those that aren’t official documents and aren’t required for carrying out formalities with public bodies.
For example, a personal letter written in another language wouldn’t need a sworn translation, but if it’s an official document such as a birth certificate or an employment contract, a sworn translation would be required for it to be valid in another country.
It’s important again to note that sworn translation requirements may vary depending on the laws and regulations of the country where the documentation is to be submitted.
