Sworn vs certified translation: which one Spain actually accepts
If you're filing a document with a Spanish administration, the only translation that gets through the counter is a sworn translation with a MAEC stamp. Here's how the two figures differ and how to avoid paying twice.
Instant quote · VAT included · Signed PDF accepted by Spanish authorities
- Sworn translator accredited by the Spanish MAEC, verifiable on the official list
- PDF with qualified electronic signature (eIDAS) · same legal weight as paper
- Accepted by Spanish immigration, civil registry, notaries and MAEC
- Standard turnaround 3–5 business days · 24h and 12h options available
- WhatsApp reply usually under one hour during Spanish business hours
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Side by side
What each Spanish administration actually accepts
Short version: the English-speaking world's certified translation and Spain's traducción jurada sound alike because of the word "certified", but they are different legal figures. One is accepted in Spain. The other, almost never.
The two figures, compared
| Certified translation (US, UK) | Sworn translation (Spain) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who signs it | An agency or translator declaring accuracy | A specific individual accredited by the Spanish MAEC |
| Public official registry | None | Yes, published by MAEC |
| State-run exam | No | Yes, annual |
| Personal civil and criminal liability | No | Yes |
| Numbered official stamp | No | Yes, MAEC number |
| Accepted at Spanish immigration | No | Yes |
| Accepted at Spanish Civil Registry | No | Yes |
| Accepted at Spanish notaries | No | Yes |
| Accepted by MAEC for apostille | No | Yes |
| Accepted by Spanish universities | No | Yes |
| Typical cost | 180–350 USD | 80–200 € (MAEC stamp included) |
Who rejects what, in practice
- Spanish immigration offices (NLV, DNV, family reunification, EU citizen family card): near-certain rejection. Counter clerks recognize a US agency stamp at first glance.
- Civil Registry (marriage, birth, death): rejection. Civil status is handled strictly by default.
- Notaries: depends. Few accept it; most return the file to avoid liability.
- MAEC for apostille on the translation: automatic rejection.
- Ministry of Universities / UNED / ANECA (degree recognition): rejection.
- Courts: rejection. If it slips through at first instance, opposing counsel challenges it.
Verify a Spanish sworn translator in thirty seconds
Before paying anyone:
- Go to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) website. Search "lista traductores intérpretes jurados".
- Filter by your language pair (English-Spanish, French-Spanish).
- Ask the translator or agency for the full name and accreditation number of the sworn translator who will sign your document.
- Confirm they appear on the official list.
If the agency dodges giving you a name and number, that's a red flag.
When a US certified translation does make sense
For UK internal filings (settled status, NHS, HM Revenue) or US federal filings (USCIS with a notary public on top), a certified translation issued locally is typically fine. For anything filed inside Spain, it isn't.
What if I already paid for a US certified?
Honestly, "upgrading" it to sworn rarely pays off. The Spanish sworn translator has to review the document fully and assume personal liability, so the fee runs at 70–100% of a fresh translation. If you need Spanish validity, the cleaner path is to send us the original and let us produce a sworn translation from scratch.
For the regulatory detail (Spanish Law 2/2014, Royal Decree 724/2020, MAEC Resolution of 26 July 2020 on electronic signature) you'll find the long version in our blog pillar post.
Common questions
Before you pay anyone
I already have a certified translation from a US agency. Will Spanish immigration accept it?
No. Spanish immigration offices (oficinas de Extranjería) require a sworn translation by a translator accredited by the Spanish MAEC. Even a well-executed certified translation lacks the legal figure Spanish law recognizes. Accepting it is outside the clerk's authority.
Does an ATA-certified translation work in Spain?
No. The American Translators Association is a private US trade body, not a public authority. Its credential carries no standing under Spanish law. For procedures in Spain you need a translator accredited by the MAEC.
Does a Spanish sworn translation work for USCIS?
Generally yes. A Spanish sworn translation carries a recognizable certificate of accuracy and stamp, accepted by USCIS for most filings. Some procedures additionally request a US notary public — that's a notarization on top of the existing signature, it doesn't replace your sworn translation. We can coordinate the apostille if you need it.
How much does a sworn translation at Textualia cost?
From a 35 € minimum for short documents. The quote tool above calculates the exact price when you upload your PDF (VAT and signed PDF included). Urgent surcharges: +30% for 24h, +100% for 12h.
How long does it take?
Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days. 24-hour and 12-hour express options are available subject to translator capacity. The quote tool shows the exact delivery date for each option before you pay.
Is the signed PDF accepted or do I need paper?
A PDF signed with a qualified electronic certificate has the same legal weight as paper under the MAEC Resolution of 26 July 2020. Most Spanish authorities accept it without issue. If your specific procedure requires hand-stamped paper, we ship certified mail (12 € within Spain, 18 € across Europe).
Can I verify your sworn translator before paying?
Yes, with no commitment. We provide the full name and MAEC accreditation number of the sworn translator who will sign your document so you can check the official MAEC registry before payment.
What if a Spanish authority rejects the translation?
If a Spanish administration rejects our translation on formal grounds (stamp, signature, certification), we correct it at no cost or refund the full amount. The client picks.
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