They are not the same thing.

A legal translator specialises in translating legal content. A sworn translator, on the other hand, is a professional who holds an official qualification issued by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is authorised to produce official sworn translations.

It is important to know the difference since depending on what type of professional you choose that could lead to an unaccepted document.

What is a legal translator?

A legal translator is a translator who specialises in legal and juridical texts, such as contracts, legal documents, commercial documents, contracts and other types of texts and documents that do not need to be submitted before the authorities or do not require to be certified or stamped.

A legal translator is a translator who specializes in that field, the terminology involved, etc. however they cannot certify their translations or stamp them.

What is a sworn translator?

A sworn translator (Traductor Jurado) is a specific professional status regulated by the Spanish authorities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC) is responsible for awarding the titles of Traductor Jurado and Intérprete Jurado.

A sworn translator may also specialise in legal translation, so the sworn translator can also translate all sort of documents, not necessarily only documents that need to be stamped or certified. a

So the main difference between a legal translator and a sworn translator is the status of the translation itself.

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that translations carried out by Traductores-Intérpretes Jurados have official character and may be submitted to judicial and administrative bodies. These professionals certify the fidelity and accuracy of their work with their signature and seal, using the legal certification and requirements provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Legal Translator vs Sworn Translator in Spain: any difference?

They are not the same thing.

A legal translator specialises in translating legal content. A sworn translator, on the other hand, is a professional who holds an official qualification issued by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is authorised to produce official sworn translations.

It is important to know the difference since depending on what type of professional you choose that could lead to an unaccepted document.

What is a legal translator?

A legal translator is a translator who specialises in legal and juridical texts, such as contracts, legal documents, commercial documents, contracts and other types of texts and documents that do not need to be submitted before the authorities or do not require to be certified or stamped.

A legal translator is a translator who specializes in that field, the terminology involved, etc. however they cannot certify their translations or stamp them.

What is a sworn translator?

A sworn translator (Traductor Jurado) is a specific professional status regulated by the Spanish authorities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC) is responsible for awarding the titles of Traductor Jurado and Intérprete Jurado.

A sworn translator may also specialise in legal translation, so the sworn translator can also translate all sort of documents, not necessarily only documents that need to be stamped or certified. a

So the main difference between a legal translator and a sworn translator is the status of the translation itself.

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that translations carried out by Traductores-Intérpretes Jurados have official character and may be submitted to judicial and administrative bodies. These professionals certify the fidelity and accuracy of their work with their signature and seal, using the legal certification and requirements provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

When do you often need a sworn translation in Spain?

A sworn translation may be required when submitting documents in a difference language to:

• Spanish public authorities;
• courts;
• immigration authorities;
• universities and educational institutions;
• civil registries;
• notaries;
• embassies and consulates;
• professional bodies;
• foreign authorities; or
• other organisations that specifically request an official or certified translation.

Requirements can vary depending on the procedure.

When do you often need a sworn translation in Spain?

A sworn translation may be required when submitting documents in a difference language to:

• Spanish public authorities;
• courts;
• immigration authorities;
• universities and educational institutions;
• civil registries;
• notaries;
• embassies and consulates;
• professional bodies;
• foreign authorities; or
• other organisations that specifically request an official or certified translation.

Requirements can vary depending on the procedure.