How to recognize an official sworn translator in Spain

Recognize an Official Sworn Translator

How to recognize an official sworn translator in Spain

1. Let’s start with the basics… what exactly is a sworn translator?

This is important. A sworn translator (also called sworn interpreter-translator) is someone who has been officially recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs — the MAEC — and can produce translations with legal validity.

What does this mean? It means that what they translate can be submitted to courts, city halls, universities, notaries… basically any institution where a standard translation is not enough.

Watch out for this:

  • Being a translator, or even highly competent, does not make someone a sworn translator.
  • They don’t “swear” the content of the original document; they certify that the translation is faithful and complete.

In our office we explain this a lot because confusion is common. Having a master’s degree or being registered is not enough. You need the official MAEC certification, period.

2. The stamp. Always the stamp. And also the signature.

There is no doubt. A sworn translation must always include the translator’s stamp and signature. It is not optional or “just in case”; it is mandatory.

How do you know if the stamp is authentic?

It must include the following elements:

  • Full name of the translator.
  • Languages in which they are authorized to work (official languages approved by MAEC).
  • The official number assigned to them.
  • Clearly stating “Traductor-Intérprete Jurado”.

Our advice: if the stamp does not have this information, it’s suspicious. We’ve seen some fabricated ones, with improper coats of arms or incomplete data. The rule (Order AEC/2125/2014) sets this clearly.

3. And if you want to be completely sure: the MAEC list

If you still have doubts, the most reliable source is the official one. The Ministry maintains a list of recognized sworn translators in Spain, updated regularly.

In this list you can find:

  • Name and surname of the translator.
  • Languages for which they are authorized.
  • And the province where they work.

Step by step:

  • Go to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
  • Look for “Intérpretes y Traductores Jurados”.
  • There is usually a PDF available, download it.
  • Then search by name or language as needed.

At EJB Translations, we are included in that list. We always encourage clients to check it because we value transparency.

4. More signs that help identify professionals

  • They deliver the document on paper, properly stamped and signed. Digital signatures are possible, but paper is still widely used.
  • They know the procedures well. If you ask what the translation is for, they can explain it confidently.
  • They provide a clear quote, with no hidden conditions or unexpected costs.

For example, we always explain everything upfront: what you need, cost, and timeframe. No ambiguity.

5. Which documents usually require a sworn translation?

There are many, depending on context. The most common include:

  • Degrees and academic transcripts.
  • Birth, marriage, or death certificates.
  • Judicial rulings or resolutions.
  • Contracts, powers of attorney, etc.
  • Documents for international tenders or bids.

Practical advice: before requesting a translation, consult who requested it. Sometimes people submit translations unnecessarily, or present a simple translation and it gets rejected. Better safe than sorry.

6. Common mistakes we observe

  • People trusting non-accredited translators because it’s “cheaper” (and then having to redo everything).
  • Documents scanned in poor quality.
  • Those who don’t account for the time certain translations require.

We always request legible, complete, high-quality documents. It’s necessary, not complicated.

7. To wrap up…

Recognizing an official sworn translator is not difficult if you know what to look for: stamp, signature, MAEC accreditation, and common sense. That gives you a solid base.

At EJB Translations, we have years of experience providing precise translations, paying attention to details, and advising clients to ensure everything is correct. If you need to submit important documents and want someone who knows what they are doing, we are here.