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Do I need a sworn translation?

Do I Need a Sworn Translation?

General guidance based on where you're submitting your document, what language it's in, where it was issued, and who's receiving it — not a legal opinion.

Last verified

Sources

04 official

Type

TOOL

Where are you going to submit the document?
What language is the document written in?
Where was the document issued?
What type of body will receive it?

Answer the four questions to see your guidance.

What this tool can guide you on

Based on where you're going to submit the document, what language it's written in, where it was issued, and what kind of body will receive it, the tool identifies whether your situation resembles a case where a sworn translation is usually needed, usually isn't, or depends on factors Ruta Jurada can't know in advance.

The exception for documents issued in another EU country

Depends on your case

Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 lets you request, from the authority of the EU country that issued a public document, a multilingual form that's attached to the original to help with translation. For certain categories of documents — not all — that form can avoid the need for a sworn translation when the receiving body accepts it.

This doesn't mean every EU document is exempt: it depends on the document's category, whether the country of origin issues the form for that category, and whether the receiving body in Spain accepts it. That's why this tool, when it detects an EU-origin document, doesn't give a closed answer — it explains the exception and points to the official source for your specific case.

Documents in Catalan, Basque, Galician, or another co-official language

Depends on your case

A document in a language co-official in Spain (Article 3 of the Constitution) isn't treated as a foreign document. Article 15 of Ley 39/2015 allows it to be used directly with bodies in its Autonomous Community, and the translation into Spanish — when required — is often the responsibility of the administration itself, not always the citizen. That's why the tool never concludes it's "very likely" you need a sworn translation for this case.

What it can't determine

The tool doesn't know your document's exact category, whether the country of origin issues the multilingual form for that category, or the specific requirement of a particular body or foreign authority. It isn't a legal service and doesn't replace direct consultation with the competent authority or a qualified professional. The result is always guidance, never a confirmation.

What the guidance is based on

Outside the EU-document case, the underlying criterion is the same one that governs all of Ruta Jurada: only a Traductor-Intérprete Jurado appointed by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation can certify a translation with official standing before Spanish bodies, and that need arises when a document isn't in the language the receiving body requires. For documents issued in another EU country, the additional criterion is Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 on public documents.

Official sources

04 verified sources

This guide is based on the following official sources, verified on the dates shown.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a legal service or an official ruling?

No. It's general guidance based on common criteria, not a legal opinion or an official confirmation. The body receiving your document determines the actual requirement.

Do you store my answers or any personal data?

No. The tool doesn't send your answers to any server or store them — they're calculated in your own browser and disappear if you reload the page. You're never asked for a name, email, or any personal data.

What should I do if the result says "it depends"?

Check directly with the body that will receive the document — it's the only source that can confirm the exact requirement for your case. If the document needs an Apostille, start with that guide before commissioning the translation.

If my document is from another EU country, am I sure I don't need translation?
Depends on your case

No, it's not automatic. Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 only avoids translation when a multilingual form exists for your document's specific category and the receiving body accepts it — it doesn't apply to every document, and it isn't guaranteed. Request the form from the authority that issued the document and confirm with the receiving body before ruling out a sworn translation.

Ruta Jurada checks this guide against official sources.

Last verified: 14 August 2026 · 04 official sources.

Always confirm the exact requirement with the receiving body when it applies to your case.

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