Frequently asked questions

A sworn translation is an official translation carried out by a Sworn Translator-Interpreter appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It bears my signature and seal (or recognised electronic signature) and has full legal validity before any administration, university, court or official body. It is the only valid way to submit an official document written in another language in Spain.

Yes. Since 2020 the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognises the full validity of sworn translations signed with recognised electronic signature. That means you can receive it by email and submit it directly through electronic portals. If you are required to submit a hard copy, I’ll send you the printed sworn translation by courier.

No. I work with scans or clearly legible photos of the document. The sworn translation is accompanied by a signed, dated and sealed copy of the original, as required by law. If your original document must first be certified as authentic, you will need to contact the relevant authority or a public official authorised to certify documents, such as a notary public or a court official.

• Sworn translation: any document translated by a Sworn Translator-Interpreter appointed by the MAEC, with official signature and seal. It has legal validity.

• Legal translation: specialised translation of legal texts (contracts, judgements, legal articles), but without official signature or seal. It has no legal validity on its own.

A document can be both (a judgement translated by a sworn translator) or just one of them.

The apostille is a stamp that certifies the authenticity of the original document, not of the translation. You request it in the country that issued the document (in Spain, at the Ministry of Justice or the Superior Courts of Justice).

Rule of thumb:

• Spanish document to be submitted abroad: apostille the original before translating it.
• Foreign document to be submitted in Spain: the receiving body will tell you whether it needs an apostille on the original.

If in doubt, write to me before starting any procedure. I’ll guide you at no cost.If in doubt, write to me before starting any procedure. I will guide you at no cost.

• Short documents (1-3 pages): 2-3 working days from quote acceptance.
• Medium documents (4-10 pages): 4-6 working days.
• Long or technical documents: specific timeline quoted.
• Urgent (24-48 h): possible with surcharge, subject to availability.

Yes, and that’s how I work most of the time. I receive your scanned document, I send you the signed translation by email, and I only send a paper copy by courier when strictly necessary.

Yes. I translate legal, academic and general texts between English and Spanish without the official signature when the destination doesn’t require legal validity. It’s cheaper and faster.

Get in touch. With more than 30 years’ experience working for newspapers, translation agencies, law firms, public bodies, international organisations, businesses across a wide range of sectors and private clients, I’ve handled an extensive variety of texts. There’s a good chance I can help with your translation project or with proofreading and style editing.

I bring extensive experience in translating and editing informative texts covering international affairs, culture, education, business and economics, social issues, opinion pieces, healthcare, disability, national and international legislation, the social sciences, hospitality, IT and technology.

Write to me and we’ll talk. In many cases I can deliver within 24 hours if the document isn’t too long and reaches me in the morning. Urgent orders carry a surcharge.