What is a Sworn translation?
A sworn translation (a.k.a. certified translation) is an authorised translation service, used to translate legal documents or certificates, so that they are legally valid in the target language. This includes birth certificates, university degrees, academic records, certificates of incorporation, statutes and other official documents. To clarify, only authorised sworn translators can provide a sworn translation.
Sworn translators endorse the documents they translate with their signature and seal. This means that the translator takes full, legal responsibility for the accuracy of the document. This endorsement grants the document an official, formal status and a legal value that is equivalent to the original document.
When do you need a sworn translation?
There are a large number of official bodies in Spain, and abroad, which require certain documents to be translated in this way. For example, instances where sworn translations are required include:
- Legal documents
- Official recognition of certificates
- Naturalisation proceedings
- Residents’ permits
- Powers of attorney
- Minutes of official meetings
- Contracts
- Letters of intent and memoranda
- Audits and Financial reports
Find out more: What is a sworn translation and why it matters
Our Sworn service
In the industry, we usually assume that sworn, and technical translators, possess the highest level of expertise. Furthermore, a sworn translator cannot be careless when working! More importantly, a sworn translator cannot be lax when researching. If they are, they run the risk of being charged with negligence, perjury, or even contempt of court. QuickSilver works with a number of highly qualified, certified sworn translators to provide this service (10 pages minimum).
You can send the original documents to us in any format; but sworn translations can only be supplied in a hard copy, as they must include the signature and seal of a sworn translator, recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Do remember that there are many highly skilled, professional, un-sworn translators working in the industry! We would always advise you to check whether a sworn translation is definitely required. If not, using professional translator, ideally with legal experience, may be more cost-effective. Certainly, it is important to remember that a sworn translation is not necessarily a better translation.
