Legal Document Translation: What You Need to Know
Legal document translation is an essential process to ensure that legal, official, and administrative texts are understood and accepted in different countries and legal contexts.
At Hisparos, a translation agency based in Barcelona, we have specialised translators who focus on legal and sworn translations, ensuring that each document is true to the original and complies with the relevant regulations. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about legal document translation.
What is Legal Document Translation?
Legal document translation involves converting legal texts from one language to another with accuracy and precision. This type of translation requires a deep understanding of legal language, laws, and regulations in both the source and target countries, in addition to advanced linguistic skills.
Legal document translation covers a wide variety of texts, from contracts and business agreements to birth certificates and court rulings. The primary characteristic of this type of translation is that it must maintain the accuracy and consistency of the original content, leaving no room for misinterpretation, which could have legal consequences. It is crucial that a specialised legal translator handles the translation to avoid misunderstandings.
Difference Between Sworn Translation and Legal Translation
It’s common to confuse legal translation with sworn translation. Legal translation refers to any legal text translated by an expert, whereas sworn translation is carried out by a translator authorised by the government, who certifies the legal validity of the translated document. In many cases, legal document translation needs to be sworn to be valid in front of authorities.
When is Legal Document Translation Required?
There are several situations where legal document translation is necessary. In international contexts, when a document is issued in a language different from that required for specific procedures, legal translation is essential.
Examples of when legal translation is required include:
- Immigration and visa applications.
- International marriages.
- Business transactions with foreign companies.
- Legal proceedings involving parties from different countries.
Documents that Require Sworn Translation
Documents that usually require sworn translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic diplomas, wills, and notarial deeds. These documents must be certified by a sworn translator to be considered valid in the destination country.
Requirements for a Valid Legal Translation
For a legal translation to be valid, it must meet specific requirements depending on the regulations of the country where it will be used. The translation must be precise, carried out by an expert translator, and in many cases, certified as a sworn translation.
Regulations and Certifications
In Spain, sworn translations can only be performed by translators certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These professionals are authorised to translate official and legal documents, certifying the authenticity and accuracy of the translation.
Who Can Perform Legal Translation?
Only a translator specialised in the legal field should carry out legal translations. These professionals not only have a mastery of both languages but also understand the laws and legal procedures of the countries involved, ensuring that the content of the document remains intact and comprehensible.
Types of Legal Documents that Require Translation
The documents that commonly require legal translation vary depending on the context, but some of the most frequent include civil, commercial, and judicial documents.
- Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates. These documents are essential in international procedures such as visa applications, citizenship, or even inheritance processes. Their translation must be accurate and, in most cases, sworn to have legal validity in another country.
- Contracts and Business Agreements. In the business world, contracts and agreements between companies from different countries must be translated accurately to avoid misunderstandings. Incorrectly translating a clause could lead to legal disputes or invalidity of the agreement.
- Court Rulings and Notarial Documents. Court rulings that need to be presented in another country also require translation. In these cases, it’s essential that the translation maintains the accuracy of the legal language used in the original ruling.
How to Choose a Legal Translator
Choosing the right translator is key to ensuring the quality and validity of the translation. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a legal document translator.
Tips for Selecting a Certified Translator
Ensure that the translator is certified by the competent authority in your country. In Spain, for example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorises sworn translators. Check their experience in translating legal documents and review their credentials before hiring their services.
Verifying Credentials and Experience
In addition to certification, it is important to check the translator’s experience in the legal field. Look for reviews or recommendations from other clients and ensure they have a solid track record in translating documents similar to the ones you need.
Costs and Timeframes for Legal Document Translation
The price and time required to translate a legal document can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the text, the number of pages, and the type of document.
The cost of a legal translation can be influenced by urgency, the target language, and the type of document. At Hisparos, we offer personalised quotes tailored to the needs of each client, ensuring competitive prices in the market.
The time required to complete a legal translation depends on the length and complexity of the document. Generally, legal translations can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the workload and the required certification.
The Importance of Quality Legal Translation
A high-quality legal translation is essential to ensure that your documents are accepted in the destination country without issues. At Hisparos, we specialise in sworn and legal translations in Barcelona, offering professional services to ensure the validity and accuracy of each translated document.
If you need a legal or sworn translation, contact us at Hisparos for more information and a personalised quote.
