Translator credentials
How to Verify a Sworn Translator in Spain
Not every translator can produce a sworn translation valid for use before Spanish authorities. Only translators appointed by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) can issue translations with legal force.
What is a sworn translator?
A sworn translator (traductor-intérprete jurado) is a professional who has been officially appointed by Spain's Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación (MAEC). This appointment certifies that the translator has passed a formal examination and is recognised by the Spanish state as competent to produce translations with legal validity.
The appointment is language-pair specific. A translator appointed for English–Spanish cannot certify a French–Spanish translation under that appointment.
Why MAEC appointment matters
Spanish law requires that sworn translations submitted to official bodies — civil registries, immigration offices, consulates, universities, courts — are produced by a MAEC-appointed translator. Translations by non-appointed translators, however experienced, do not meet this requirement and will be refused.
This applies regardless of other qualifications the translator may hold: professional memberships, university degrees, translation certifications from other countries, or years of experience do not substitute for the MAEC appointment.
What information should appear on the translation
A valid sworn translation should contain:
- Full translation of the source document
- Certification statement in Spanish attesting to the accuracy and fidelity of the translation
- Translator's full name
- MAEC appointment number
- Date and place of certification
- Qualified electronic signature (since March 2025) or physical stamp and ink signature
How Traducet verifies translators
Before any translator can accept orders on Traducet, we verify:
- Current MAEC appointment for their stated language pairs
- Valid qualified electronic signature certificate (eIDAS-compliant)
- Identity document matching the MAEC record
- Bank account in their own name for payouts
Traducet is not a public authority. Traducet is a private platform operated by Eivura SL that works exclusively with MAEC-appointed sworn translators.
How customers can check translator details
Every translation delivered through Traducet includes the translator's name and MAEC appointment number. You can verify the appointment directly on the MAEC website at any time by searching the official list of sworn translators.
Common warning signs
No MAEC appointment number on the translation
Translator claims to be 'certified' or 'accredited' without a specific MAEC appointment
Translation produced by a translation agency that does not name the individual translator
Price that seems unusually low — sworn translators have professional obligations that cannot be waived
No physical stamp and no electronic signature
Common questions
This page is for informational purposes only. Traducet is a private platform operated by Eivura SL.
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