Jurado
In the world of translation, there are many different types, each serving a specific purpose. In Spain, one such type is the “Jurado” translation, also known as a sworn or certified translation.
A “Traductor Jurado” or a sworn translator in Spain is a Certified Translator/Interpreter accredited to grant legal validity to the translation of the content of a document in another language.
Translations or interpretations carried out by Certified Translators/Interpreters, Certified Translators or Certified Interpreters have official status and may be submitted to judicial and administrative bodies.
How is it regulated?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation is responsible for granting the titles of Sworn Translator and Sworn Interpreter.
As established in article 9.2 of Royal Decree 724/2020, of August 4, which approves the Regulations of the Language Interpretation Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, “the titles of Sworn Translator or Sworn Interpreter do not confer on their holders the status of public official nor do they imply the establishment of any organic or labor link with the Public Administration.”
Certified Translators/Interpreters certify with their signature and seal the fidelity and accuracy of their translations.
How is it Different from Regular Translation?
The main difference between a Jurado translation and a regular translation lies in the legal validity of the translated document. A Jurado translation is officially recognized by a legal jurisdiction, while a regular translation, though it may have the same content quality, is essentially private and has no legal bearing. The key difference is the stamp and certification that a Jurado translation carries, which gives it the same legal value as an official document.
Can anyone become a jurado translator?
The main way to obtain this title is through the examination that the relevant Ministry periodically convenes for this purpose. Another way is the recognition of similar professional qualifications obtained in another EU or EEA Member State.
A requirement common to both procedures for obtaining the title of Sworn Translator or Sworn Interpreter is to be a citizen of one of the member countries of the European Union or the European Economic Area.
Where is Jurado Translation Used?
Jurado translations are typically required for legal, administrative, and bureaucratic processes. They are often needed for legal or fiscal matters such as taxes, immigration, residency, birth certificates, marriage documents, property deeds, patents; and educational documents such as transcripts, certificates, and diplomas. Essentially, any document that needs to be officially recognized by a legal authority would require a Jurado translation.
In conclusion, Jurado translation plays a crucial role in Spain’s legal and administrative processes. It ensures that important documents are accurately translated and legally recognised, providing a vital service in our increasingly globalised world.
Official translations
Translations and interpretations from a foreign language into Spanish and vice versa will be considered official if they have been carried out by someone who holds the title of Sworn Translator-Interpreter, Sworn Translator or Sworn Interpreter granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, as established in the sixteenth additional provision of Law 2/2014, of March 25, amended by the fourth final provision of Law 29/2015, of July 30.
In order to provide information to citizens, the Language Interpretation Office, the highest body of the State Administration in matters of language translation and interpretation, periodically prepares and publishes a List of all Sworn Translators and Sworn Interpreters who have been appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, indicating the language or languages for which they have been authorized to translate and interpret.
Where do I find a jurado translator?
The search engine for the updated data file of the official list of Certified Translators/Interpreters, Certified Translators and Certified Interpreters is available at the following link:
