How to Translate a Legal Document from English to Spanish

When Do You Need to Translate Legal Documents from English to Spanish?

There are many situations where translating legal documents from English to Spanish is essential. Typical examples include; 

• Immigration processes: When applying for visas, residency, or citizenship in Spanish-speaking countries, from an English-speaking country, you may need to submit translated legal documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, or court records.
• Business transactions: Contracts, agreements, or other legal paperwork involving companies or individuals in Spanish-speaking countries often require accurate translations of legal documents to avoid miscommunication.
• Educational applications: Institutions in Spanish-speaking countries might ask for certified translations of diplomas, transcripts, or other academic records to verify qualifications.
• Legal proceedings: Documents such as affidavits, court rulings, or evidence written in English must be translated into Spanish for use in legal cases.

International Trade or Compliance: Companies engaging in cross-border trade may need translated regulatory documents, permits, or compliance forms.

Getting Spanish sworn translations for your English legal documents, whether for personal, legal, or business reasons, ensures that they are accurate, legally valid, and recognized by the appropriate authorities.

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Factors to Consider When Translating Legal Documents From English to Spanish

Translating legal documents is an important task that must be done accurately, so we recommend using a professional certified translation service like Translayte. By doing so, you'll be working with an experienced expert, ensuring no mistakes.

Here are key factors to consider when translating legal documents; 

Legal terminology

Legal documents often contain specialised terms and phrases that may not have direct meanings in another language. For example, "escritura pública" may be directly translated as "public writing," which can be misleading. However, the correct translation for a legal document is "public deed" or “notarial deed.”

Cultural and legal systems differences

Legal systems vary across countries, and so do their terminologies and practices. Your translated document must factor in these differences to ensure its validity in the country of use. This is why online translation tools are unacceptable for translating your legal document from English to Spanish, as many things can be misplaced. 

Language variations

Spanish is the official language of over 20 countries, however, it has different variations in terms of vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Understanding these differences is important in translating your legal documents correctly. 

Grammar and sentence structure

Spanish is a subject-object-verb language, while English is a subject-verb-object language. This means that the sentence structure differs for both languages and literal translations may not work. Hence, it’s important to consider the difference in grammar and sentence structure when translating your documents. 

Certifications and legalisation

In many cases, legal documents must be certified or notarised to be accepted by official bodies. To get certified or notarized translations, you need a sworn translator with a proven record of translating legal documents accepted for official purposes. We recommend using Translayte for all your translation needs. We offer Spanish-certified and sworn translation for various documents and languages, ensuring accuracy, timely delivery, 24/7 priority support, and lots more. 

How to Translate Legal Documents From English to Spanish

Here’s a step-by-step guide to translating your documents from English to Spanish. 

Understand the purpose and context of the document

Take time to understand the purpose of the document and its audience. Is it a contract, a court filing, or a power of attorney? Knowing its purpose helps you determine the tone, level of formality, and specific terminology required in the translation. This way, you can clearly explain your needs when requesting a sworn translation on Translayte. The more precise your explanation, the closer you are to having an error-free translated document. 

Use a sworn translator

Do not translate legal documents using online tools or generative AI. The authorities in Spain require that all official translations have to be done by a Spanish-sworn translator who has been certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only these sworn translators have the power to perform official translations to be used in Spain.  With Translayte, you can be sure your documents will be translated by a sworn translator and the necessary certification (apostille, notarisation) applied to them.

Submit the original document

Request a free quote on our website. If you’re satisfied with the quote, select the type of translation service you need and upload your files. Note that, the provided quote reflects the pricing on a per-page basis. 

Include specific requirements for the translator and anything else you’d like to add. If you need your translation urgently, Translayte also offers priority translations. 

Review and proofread the translation

After your translation is done, you can review it and request changes before completing your order.  All translations are reviewed for 100% accuracy. 

Follow legal requirements

Depending on the document’s intended use, there may be specific requirements for formatting, notarisation, or certification. For instance, some documents may need to be formatted in a way that mirrors the original, while others may require an affidavit of accuracy from the translator. Some may also need to include a notary public seal or an apostille certificate. 

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Tips for Translating Your Legal Documents from English to Spanish

Regardless of the legal document you need to translate from English to Spanish, knowing the best practices will help you review the translated document effectively; 

Avoid literal translations

Direct, word-for-word translations rarely work for legal documents. Instead, focus on translating meaning and intent. Some English legal terms, such as "power of attorney" (the legal authorization for someone to act on another's behalf), require professional translation to match the appropriate Spanish legal term.

Work with a professional translator

Use a professional translation service like Translayte to ensure accuracy and help you avoid costly mistakes. If your document requires official recognition (e.g., for court or immigration purposes), Translayte also offers certified or notarized translations.

Retain the original structure and formatting

Legal documents often have a standardized structure, such as numbered clauses, headings, or signatures. Ensure the translated document mirrors the original format to maintain consistency and comply with legal requirements.

Ensure compliance with legal requirements

As we mentioned previously, legal documents in Spain require sworn translations to be considered valid. Check the requirements of the relevant authority requesting your document,  to ensure your translated document meets their standards.

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Why use a sworn translator for your legal documents

While relying on free online translation tools may be tempting, legal documents require expertise that only Spanish-sworn translators can provide. 

Here’s why you need to work with a sworn translator when translating your documents from English to Spanish.

It’s outside your scope

Laws and regulations vary between countries, meaning a word or concept in one legal system might not exist in another. Professional legal translators are familiar with the differences between legal systems and can adapt the translation accordingly. For example, they’ll know how to handle unique terms in common law systems (like those in the U.S. or U.K.) when translating them for use in civil law systems (like those in Spain or Mexico).

Courts require legally valid translations

Legal processes in Spain require sworn translations for the document to be legally valid. Translayte provides sworn translations, confirming the translation is accurate and complete. Without this, your document may not be accepted by legal entities.

Accuracy and attention to detail

Legal translations leave no room for error. A slight mistranslation can render a document invalid. Translayte ensures that every term, number, and phrase is correct and reflects the original meaning of the document.

Saves your time and reduces risk

Trying to translate legal documents yourself or relying on non-professionals can lead to mistakes that delay important processes. With professional translators, you can save more time and get accurate, acceptable translations. 

Translate your legal documents from English to Spanish with Translayte

Be accurate and pay attention to detail when translating legal documents from English to Spanish. Any mistakes could lead to your document being rejected, especially when it’s needed for official or legal purposes. To avoid these issues, use a professional translation company like Translayte We are a global company that provides sworn translations for all documents and languages, ensuring accuracy and quick delivery. Need to translate a legal document from English to Spanish? Get a quote or place your order online today.