Yes, a sworn translation in digital format is officially valid in Spain, provided it meets the requirements set out in the regulations in force. Orden AUC/213/2025 (Spanish Ministerial Order) expressly regulates electronic sworn translations, which may be issued with the sworn translator’s qualified electronic signature. However, before submitting a digital translation, it is advisable to check which format the receiving authority accepts, especially if the procedure is carried out in person or abroad.
What exactly is a digital sworn translation?
It is a sworn translation issued as an electronic document and digitally signed by a sworn translator-interpreter appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
Unlike a simple scan of a paper translation, a digital sworn translation is an original electronic document, whose signature makes it possible to verify the identity of the signatory and check whether the file has been modified after signing.
To comply with the regulations, the electronic document must include the corresponding certification, the translator’s identification details and both the source document and its translation.
What do the regulations say about digital sworn translations?
Orden AUC/213/2025 of 26 February regulates the electronic certification of sworn translations in Spain.
Among other requirements, these regulations establish:
- The use of a qualified electronic certificate for natural persons to sign the translation.
- The inclusion of the certification and the sworn translator’s identification details.
- The incorporation of the original document and its translation into the signed electronic document.
- The use of accepted electronic signature formats, with PAdES recommended for PDF documents.
In this format, the physical stamp is replaced by an identification box containing the details required by the regulations.
Therefore, a correctly issued digital sworn translation has official status, just like a paper sworn translation that meets its own requirements.
Where can a digital sworn translation be submitted?
Electronic sworn translations are especially practical for procedures that allow documents to be submitted online.
They can be used in administrative, academic or other procedures when the receiving authority accepts submission in electronic format.
However, the fact that a digital sworn translation is officially valid does not mean that every authority will automatically accept any submission format.
For this reason, before ordering one, it is advisable to check the instructions for the relevant procedure.
When might you be asked for a paper sworn translation?
Although digital sworn translations are officially recognised in Spain, some procedures may set specific requirements for submitting documents.
A foreign authority may also request physical documents or set particular conditions for accepting translations.
If you need to submit a paper translation, it is best to request it in that format from the outset.
The best option is to confirm in advance which format the receiving authority accepts, to avoid additional steps.
How can you check that a digital sworn translation is authentic?
One of the advantages of electronic sworn translations is that their signature can be verified.
By checking the file’s digital signature, you can view information about the signatory, the validity of the signature and the integrity of the document.
In Spain there is an official service, VALIDe, which allows you to check electronic signatures and verify whether a document has been modified after signing.
However, verifying the signature does not replace checking the other requirements that the receiving authority may impose.
Advantages of receiving a digital sworn translation
The electronic format offers several practical advantages:
- Fast delivery: it can be sent by email without waiting for postal delivery.
- Easy storage: you can keep the digitally signed original file.
- Electronic verification: it makes it easier to check the authenticity of the signature and the integrity of the document.
- Online submission: it is especially convenient for procedures that accept electronic documents.
It can also make things easier for those who need to submit documents from another city, another island or even from abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print a digital sworn translation and submit it on paper?
You can print the document, but an ordinary printout of the PDF does not retain the verifiable electronic signature of the original file.
It should therefore not automatically be considered equivalent to a sworn translation originally issued on paper.
If your procedure requires physical documents, check which format the receiving authority accepts.
Can a digital sworn translation be used to submit documents abroad?
It depends on the country and the authority that will receive the documents.
Even if the translation is official in Spain, other countries may set specific requirements regarding the format, legalisation or recognition of translations.
Before ordering it, confirm the foreign authority’s conditions.
How will I receive my digital sworn translation?
The digital sworn translation is delivered as a signed electronic file, usually in PDF format.
It is important to keep the original file you receive, as it contains the electronic signature that allows its authenticity and integrity to be verified.
Can I use the same digital sworn translation for several procedures?
In principle, you can submit the same electronic file in different procedures, provided each authority accepts that format and the documents meet its requirements.
You should also check that the original document to which the translation corresponds is still valid for each procedure.
- Orden AUC/213/2025 of 26 February (Spanish Ministerial Order), regulating the use of electronic signatures for the certification of the work of sworn translators and interpreters (BOE No. 57, 7 March 2025; in Spanish).
- VALIDe: official service for validating electronic signatures, accessible from the Spanish Government’s Electronic Signature Portal.
- Sworn translation and interpreting: appointment of sworn translators and official status of their translations (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation).
This guide is for information purposes only. The requirements for submitting and accepting sworn translations may vary depending on the authority, the procedure and the destination country. Always check the official guidance before submitting your documents.