Sworn translation

A sworn translation is a translation that has official value before the authorities. The Firm arranges sworn translations into Spanish and asseverated translations into Italian from any language; since the rules differ between Spain and Italy, it identifies the form required by the receiving authority and handles the translation, any asseveration and the legalisation.

In Spain: the traducción jurada

• It is carried out by a Traductor/a-Intérprete Jurado/a (sworn translator-interpreter) appointed by the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación, which publishes the official list of translators authorised for each language.
• The translator certifies, by signature and seal, that the translation is faithful and accurate, and attaches a copy of the original document, stamped and dated on every page (Real Decreto 724/2020).
• Since 8 March 2025 a sworn translation may also be issued in electronic format, bearing the translator's qualified electronic signature (Orden AUC/213/2025). A mere scan of a paper translation does not have the same value.
• It is normally required in order to submit foreign documents to the Registro Civil, to the Oficina de Extranjería and in nationality proceedings.
• The Firm arranges sworn translations into Spanish from any language, entrusting them to sworn translators authorised for the language of the original document.

In Italy: the traduzione asseverata

• Italy has no national register of sworn translators. The translator asseverates the translation by swearing an oath of fidelity before the clerk of the court or before a notary, producing a sworn (asseverated) translation (traduzione asseverata).
• An asseverated translation is subject to stamp duty (imposta di bollo, currently €16 per sheet); the rules governing this duty will be reformed from 2027.
• For use abroad, the signature of the public official before whom the oath was sworn is legalised or apostilled at the Procura della Repubblica (Public Prosecutor's Office).
• The Firm arranges asseverated translations into Italian from any language, intended for town halls, consulates, courts and other Italian authorities.

Foreign documents to be submitted in Italy

Pursuant to art. 33 of Decree of the President of the Republic 445/2000, instruments drawn up abroad must be accompanied by a translation into Italian certified as true by the competent diplomatic or consular representation, or by an official translator. Alternatively, in practice, a translation asseverated in Italy is accepted. The choice depends on the office receiving the document.

Validity between European Union countries

For documents falling within Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 (including birth, marriage, death, residence, citizenship and absence of a criminal record), a sworn translation carried out by a translator qualified in one Member State is accepted in all other Member States, and the documents are exempt from the apostille. For other documents, such as powers of attorney, contracts or academic qualifications, an apostille on the document or legalisation of the translator's signature may be required.

Costs

Sworn translators' fees are not set by official tariffs. The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote on the basis of the document, including, where necessary, asseveration, stamp duty and legalisation.

Translation services

Sources: Real Decreto 724/2020, arts. 14, 16, 17 and 18 · Orden AUC/213/2025 · Ley 20/2011, art. 95 · Decree of the President of the Republic 445/2000, art. 33 · Royal Decree 1366/1922, art. 5 · Decree of the President of the Republic 642/1972 · Regulation (EU) 2016/1191, arts. 2, 4 and 6 · Italian Ministry of Justice, circular of 29/09/2021. Information only, updated September 2026.