Blog

Immigration procedures usually require a sworn translator to translate the documents you need for your application. This is the case for visa applications to Spain from South Africa, for which Spanish consulates require documents to be officially translated.

Understanding the list of requirements for Spanish sworn translations in South Africa is a necessity because, according to Spanish legislation, all documents not written in Spanish and intended for a legal purpose in Spain must be accompanied by a corresponding sworn translation.

In this article, we will detail the list of requirements for Spanish sworn translations in South Africa, provide an overview of sworn translations, the legal framework governing them in South Africa, and other pertinent information.

Overview of Sworn Translations

Sworn translations, also known as certified translations, are generally recognised as officially accepted translations of a legal document or any document that needs to be accepted in a legal situation. Sworn translations are required whenever a translation is to be used for administrative or governmental purposes. The sworn translation must bear the seal and signature (sworn) of an official translator certifying that the translation is true to the original. In the case of Spanish visa applications, sworn translations usually include SAPS Police Clearance Certificates, HPCSA Medical Certificates, and DHA Certificates etc. In contrast, a “regular” translation does not require the translator to be a sworn translator or for the document to bear the translator’s signature and seal.

But what exactly does it mean for translators to be “sworn”? In South Africa, sworn translators are certified and authorised by the High Court and listed on the Register of Certified Translators and Interpreters, which ensures their commitment to providing accurate translations. All translations done by a High Court sworn translator have official status before legal authorities and public bodies such as Spanish embassies and consulates in South Africa.

Requirements for Spanish Sworn Translations in South Africa

The list of requirements for Spanish-sworn translations in South Africa follows a precise protocol, and a completed English/Spanish sworn translation must include the following:

1. The formatting and layout of the final Spanish sworn translation must always be as similar as possible to the formatting and layout of the source document.
2. Images such as coats of arms, photographs, letterheads, emblems, stamps, seals, logos, etc. must not be reproduced. Instead, they must be referred to in the target language in square brackets, e.g. refer to a logo as [Logo] if the target language is English. Directly next to or below the image, give a detailed description in the target language of the text in and around the image.
3. Handwritten sections in the source documents should be marked as handwritten in the final Spanish sworn translation. If handwritten sections are illegible, they should be noted as illegible handwriting in the target language, e.g. [illegible handwriting] if the target language is English.
4. When translating a legal document, always ensure that the appropriate bare code appears on each page in the same place as in the source file. This also applies to other numbers and marginal notes.
5. Names of institutions/schools should not be translated in the final Spanish sworn translation unless there’s an officially translated name of the institution/school in the target language.
6. No comments for the owner/recipient should be included in the final Spanish sworn translation. The translation of the document must be as accurate as possible, and where necessary for clarification, comments should be placed at the end of the translation, after the words “Translator’s Note”, as footnotes referring to specific areas of the translation, or as endnotes if the comments generally refer to the entire original file.
7. A translator should never be pressured by a client to add or subtract from the original meaning of the source text in the final Spanish sworn translation. While it is acceptable to be flexible to accommodate some changes, your legal document translation must accurately reflect the original document.
8. Finally, it must include a statement that it is a “certified true copy of the original”, along with the sworn translator’s seal and signature. The translator must clearly state his or her full name, the designation “sworn translator” (or certified, etc.) and the languages for which his or her translation is sworn.

Do you need a sworn Spanish translation to support an immigration, civil, legal or academic application in Spain, or at a Spanish Embassy?

With Spanish Translation, you have access to sworn translators who are accredited by the High Court of South Africa and whose translations are accepted by the Spanish Embassy in South Africa. We offer fast turnaround times, competitive rates and excellent customer service. We translate HPCSA medical certificates, police clearance certificates, Apostilles and other documents required for Spanish visa applications. In addition to translations, we can also notarise and authenticate your documents. Spanish Translation is the unrivalled leader in Spanish-sworn translation in South Africa, offering a comprehensive solution to linguistic and legal needs. Our services guarantee meticulous and legally recognised translations. Choose us as your trusted partner for a journey of precision and reliability where excellence is the standard.

Call us at 012-348-3134 or 081-347-6060 for more information about our business and document translation services. Alternatively, you can visit our website at www.spanishtranslation.co.za or send us an email at info@spanishtranslation.co.za. We are eager to talk to you and address any questions you may have.