Translated from Spanish by: Ana Belén Murcia Santiago
In an increasingly connected and globalised world, the need to communicate in different languages is essential not only for individuals but also for businesses. However, when it comes to official documents and legal procedures that require validation, a simple translation is not enough. This is where the role of the sworn translator and the relevance of sworn translation come into play. In this article, we will explore how sworn translation works and why it is fundamental to ensure its lawfulness and accuracy in international communication.
What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation, also known as official or certified translation, is a text translated by a sworn translator, a professional who is authorised and certified by the competent authorities to translate official documents. These documents may include birth or marriage certificates, academic diplomas, legal agreements or court judgments, among others. Sworn translation confers these documents the same legal validity as the original and it ensures that its content is faithfully and precisely transmitted.
A quite common example is the translation of academic documents for public examination. We receive several translation orders of candidates who have studied abroad and they need to validate their certificate in Spain so they can submit the examination (or vice versa). Without a sworn translation or in case of a mistaken translation, their degree will be invalid in court, so these translations are very fragile.
The role of a sworn translator
The sworn translator is a highly qualified professional who is proficient in two or more languages, has passed strict examinations and has been appointed by the authorities in their country to perform sworn translations. In Spain, the public body that authorises this is the Language Interpretation Office of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. The accreditation process for sworn translators and interpreters is quite selective and it generally consists of two phases: firstly, a Spanish language exam and, secondly, another exam that evaluates not only the language knowledge but also the translation and interpreting techniques. Besides, since the last regulations reform, in order to be accredited as a Sworn Translator and Interpreter, you are required to pass two selection processes, one for each profession.
At Lingua, our linguistics services company, we have a highly prepared and experienced team of sworn translators who ensure the accuracy and quality of each sworn translation. We are proud to offer sworn translation services in a wide variety of languages, including the following ones:
- Sworn translation in English
- Sworn translation in German
- Sworn translation in French
- Sworn translation in Dutch
- Sworn translation in Italian
- Sworn translation in Portuguese
- Sworn translation in Arabic
And many more…
The Hague Apostille: guarantee of authenticity
When the legal validation of a document is required in a foreign country, an additional processing may be needed, which is known as the Apostille of The Hague certificate. The Apostille certifies the signature of the sworn translator and the translation. This procedure is regulated by The Hague Convention and recognised in more than 100 countries, which expedites and simplifies the legalisation process of the documents abroad. You can find more details in this article.
At Lingua we understand the importance The Hague Apostille in the sworn translation. That is why we provide advice and support during the entire process to ensure that the documents acquire the needed legal recognition in the destination country.
Our services and commitments
At Lingua, we strive to provide our clients the best experience in sworn translation services. Our services are supported by several commitments to ensure the satisfaction and trust of our clients:
1. Confidentiality
We understand that many official documents contain private and sensitive information. That is why we guarantee the strictest confidentiality in the handling of your documents during the entire translation process.
2. Promptness / Timeliness
We know how important deadlines are in legal procedures. Our sworn translators are trained to work quickly and efficiently, without compromising the quality of the translation.
3. Fixed quote
At Lingua, we offer transparent quotations, with no additional surprises. We provide you a fixed price for your sworn translation so that you know exactly how much you will pay from the very beginning.
4. Express delivery by postal mail in a reinforced envelope
Your time is precious. That is why we send the sworn translations swiftly through postal mail in reinforced envelopes so that they arrive in perfect conditions and in the shortest time possible.
5. Express delivery with digital certificate
If you prefer to receive your translations electronically, we offer express delivery with digital signature to ensure the translation authenticity.
6. Advice and support
Our team of experts is always willing to provide you with advice and support in every sworn translation process, including getting your document apostilled so you have no doubts during the process.
At Lingua, we are committed to excellence and customer satisfaction in every sworn translation project. Visit our website for more information about our services and how we can help you with your sworn translation needs.
To sum up
Sworn translations are an essential resource for those who need to legalise documents and communicate internationally in a secure and confident way. When transmitting accurate and legally valid information between languages, sworn translators play a crucial role. At Lingua, we offer a wide variety of sworn translations in different languages, backed by our commitments to confidentiality, timeliness, fixed quote, express delivery and personalised advice.
Choose Lingua for your sworn translation needs and ensure the authenticity and validity of your documents anywhere in the world.
If you have a project in mind, please do not hesitate to contact us or request a quote. You can also contact us through our social media channels: LinkedIn, X, Instagram or Facebook.
There are no borders with Lingua, your partner in sworn translation!
