Need a sworn English-Spanish translation of your British documents? Whether you live in Spain, are planning to move here or need to deal with Spanish authorities, I can help you with a professional and reliable service providing sworn Spanish translation for British citizens.
If you are a British citizen living in Spain, you may find yourself dealing with Spanish paperwork more often than you expected. From residency applications and property transactions to inheritance matters, marriage, nationality and business arrangements, official documents issued in the UK may need to be translated into Spanish by a government-appointed sworn translator (traductor-intérprete jurado).
I am Virginia Pérez Román, a Spanish sworn English translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003 (appointment no. 4057). With over 23 years of experience in sworn and legal translation, I provide sworn English-to-Spanish translations for British individuals, professionals and businesses dealing with Spanish authorities and institutions. I have also resided and studied Law in the UK for years and I have been appointed a British national, making me familiar with British paperwork and enabling me to offer a trusted service when providing sworn translation of British documents.
You can work with me entirely online, wherever you are in the UK or Spain.
Sworn Spanish translation for British citizens
When might British citizens need a sworn Spanish translation?
Moving to Spain or dealing with official matters across the UK and Spain often involves documents that must be submitted in Spanish. As sworn Spanish translator appointed by the Spanish Government in 2003, I have more than 20 years of experience offering sworn Spanish translation for British citizens.
Below are some of the most common types of documents I translate for British clients.
1. Residency, immigration and nationality documents
If you are moving to Spain, applying for residency or dealing with nationality matters, you may need official Spanish translations of documents issued in the UK.
Examples include:
- Birth certificates.
- Marriage certificates.
- Criminal record certificates.
- Certificates of naturalisation.
- Certificates of name change.
- Proof of income and financial documentation.
- Employment contracts and other supporting documents.
I also translate British naturalisation certificates for Spanish nationality-related procedures.
For further information, read my article on Sworn Translation of British Naturalisation Certificates.
If you are preparing a visa application, you may also find my guide useful: Sworn Translation for Spanish Visa Applications.
2. Property purchases and sales in Spain
Buying or selling a property in Spain can involve documentation issued in both countries. If you are a British citizen purchasing a home, selling an inherited property or dealing with a property transaction involving UK-based parties, you may need sworn translations of:
- Powers of attorney.
- Title deeds and property documentation.
- Mortgage and financial documents.
- Certificates of inheritance.
- Wills and related documents.
- Company documents where a corporate entity is involved.
I can help with the translation of legal and financial documentation involved in cross-border property transactions.
If you own property in the UK, you may also find my article on Sworn Spanish Translation of UK Property Documents useful. It explains when Land Registry documents, conveyancing records, transfer deeds, completion statements and mortgage documentation may need to be translated for use in Spain.
3. Inheritance, probate and wills
Inheritance matters involving assets in both the UK and Spain can be particularly complex because the two legal systems have different terminology and procedures.
For example, if you have been appointed as an executor or administrator of an estate that includes Spanish assets, you may need to provide a sworn Spanish translation of British probate documents before a Spanish notary or court.
I provide sworn and legal translations of documents such as:
- Last wills and testaments, including codicils.
- Grants of Probate.
- Letters of Administration.
- Grants of Representation.
- Death certificates.
- Deeds of Variation.
- Deeds of Disclaimer.
- Letters of Wishes.
- Trust deeds and instructions to trustees.
- Certificates of Law explaining the applicable rules of English succession and intestacy.
- Affidavits and letters from probate solicitors.
- Powers of attorney granted by executors or administrators.
- Court documents and statements of case relating to contentious probate proceedings.
My experience in English law (Graduate Diploma in Law, BPP University, London) is particularly valuable when dealing with documents originating in England and Wales, especially where English succession law concepts need to be accurately conveyed to Spanish notaries, lawyers and other professionals.
I have written several articles addressing the translation of inheritance and probate documentation:
- Sworn Spanish Translation of Probate Documents – an overview of the documents that may be required when administering an estate with Spanish assets, including Grants of Probate, Letters of Administration, wills and supporting legal documents.
- Spanish Translation of Trust Deeds – explaining the particular challenges involved in translating trust instruments and documentation relating to trustees and beneficiaries.
- When Will I Need a Spanish Sworn Translator? – including examples of documents required when administering Spanish assets following someone’s death.
4. Marriage, divorce and family matters
Whether you are getting married in Spain, dealing with a divorce or managing family-related legal proceedings, certain documents issued in the UK may need to be translated into Spanish.
Examples include:
- Birth and marriage certificates.
- Divorce decrees and final orders.
- Decrees Absolute (older terminology).
- Financial orders.
- Child Arrangements Orders.
- Deeds and declarations.
- Powers of attorney.
- Court documents and witness statements.
If you have changed your name and need to use your British documentation in Spain, you may also need a sworn translation of your Deed Poll. Find out more in my article: Sworn Translation of Deeds Poll.
5. Employment, pensions and financial matters
British citizens living in Spain may also need sworn translations for employment, pension, tax or financial purposes.
Depending on the procedure and the requirements of the receiving authority, these may include:
- Employment contracts.
- P60s and P45s.
- Pension certificates and statements.
- Bank statements.
- Tax returns and tax certificates.
- Payslips.
- Insurance policies.
- Financial agreements.
Not every document necessarily requires a sworn Spanish translation for British citizens, so it is always advisable to check the requirements of the Spanish authority or institution concerned.
6. Company documents, corporate transactions and public tenders
I also work with British business owners, companies, law firms and professionals who need official translations of corporate documentation for use in Spain.
Whether you are establishing a company, opening a branch or subsidiary, purchasing or selling a business, participating in a public procurement procedure or dealing with a cross-border corporate transaction, you may need accurate legal and financial translations.
Examples of company documents I translate include:
Company formation and registration
- Certificates of Incorporation.
- Memoranda and Articles of Association.
- Companies House extracts and certificates.
- Certificates of Good Standing.
- Certificates of Incumbency.
- Share certificates.
- Statements of capital.
- Directors’ and shareholders’ resolutions.
Corporate governance and financial documentation
- Board minutes and shareholders’ meeting minutes.
- Shareholders’ agreements.
- Directors’ reports.
- Annual reports and statutory annual accounts.
- Financial statements and auditors’ reports.
- Accounting policies.
- Certificates of tax residence and tax compliance.
- Powers of attorney.
Mergers, acquisitions and corporate transactions
- Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs).
- Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs).
- Letters of Intent (LOIs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
- Due diligence reports.
- Confidentiality agreements.
- Share transfer agreements.
- Merger and demerger documentation.
- Corporate restructuring and insolvency documentation.
- Commercial and banking contracts.
Public tenders and procurement documentation
British companies bidding for public contracts in Spain, or Spanish companies participating in procurement procedures in the UK, may also require sworn translations of corporate, legal, financial and technical documentation.
Depending on the tender requirements, this may include:
- Invitations to Tender (ITTs).
- Tender notices and procurement specifications.
- Terms and conditions of tender procedures.
- Technical and financial proposals.
- Certificates of Incorporation and Good Standing.
- Companies House documentation.
- Annual accounts and auditors’ reports.
- Tax compliance and social security certificates.
- Declarations of eligibility and absence of grounds for exclusion.
- Powers of attorney and documents proving the authority of company representatives.
- Company profiles and evidence of professional or technical capacity.
- Contracts and supporting documentation.
The exact translation requirements depend on the contracting authority and the tender documentation. It is therefore important to check whether sworn translations are specifically required and whether any additional formalities apply.
My specialisation in English company law and legal-financial translation allows me to deal with complex corporate documentation and terminology, including documents arising from mergers and acquisitions, company restructuring and public procurement procedures.
You can find further information in these articles:
- Translation of Company Documents – company formation, Companies House documents, corporate resolutions, annual accounts and M&A documentation.
- Sworn Spanish Translation of Certificates of Good Standing – the purpose of these certificates and their translation for official use.
- English-Spanish Legal Translation Services – further information about my specialist legal translation services, including Company Law, Trusts, Contracts and Wills and Successions.
Why choose a Spanish Government-appointed sworn translator?
In Spain, a sworn translation (traducción jurada) is an official translation carried out by a translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC).
Unlike ordinary translations, sworn translations carry the translator’s official certification and signature, giving them legal and administrative recognition in Spain.
There is no need to find a translator physically based in your Spanish province. A sworn translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry can provide translations for submission throughout Spain, regardless of their geographical location.
I was appointed in 2003 and have extensive experience translating official, legal, financial and corporate documents between English and Spanish.
My qualifications include:
- BA in Translation and Interpreting.
- Graduate Diploma in English Law (BPP University, London).
- Level 6 Certificate in Company and Partnership Law.
- Chartered Linguist and Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL).
Digital sworn translations: no need to post your documents
I provide digitally signed sworn translations in PDF format as standard.
This means you can receive your official translation electronically without having to arrange international postage or send your original documents by post.
My digital sworn translations are signed electronically using a qualified electronic signature and comply with the applicable Spanish requirements.
Before ordering, however, please check whether the Spanish authority or institution receiving your documents accepts digitally signed translations or specifically requires a paper copy.
You can find out more in my article: https://vprspanishtranslations.com/digitally-signed-sworn-translations-for-spanish-visa-applications/ or this one, on printing out digitally-signed sworn translations: https://vprspanishtranslations.com/print-out-a-digital-sworn-translation/
Do British documents need an Apostille?
Since Brexit, the requirements for legalising UK documents for use in Spain have changed.
Certain British public documents may need to bear a Hague Apostille before being submitted to Spanish authorities. Whether an Apostille is required depends on the nature of the document, the applicable international arrangements and the requirements of the Spanish authority receiving it.
The Apostille authenticates the origin of the document; it does not replace the sworn translation.
Where an Apostille is required, it must also be translated into Spanish.
Requirements vary depending on the type of document and the procedure involved. I recommend checking with the receiving Spanish authority before arranging your translation.
For a more detailed explanation, read my article: Do I Need to Get My Documents Apostilled?.
Please note that I provide sworn translation services but do not arrange Apostilles or legalisation.
How to request a quotation
The process is straightforward:
- Send me your documents in fully legible PDF format by email.
- I will review the documentation and provide a quotation and estimated delivery time.
- Once you approve the quotation and payment has been made, I will proceed with the translation.
- Your digitally signed sworn translation will be delivered by email in PDF format, unless a paper copy has been specifically requested and agreed.
Please send each document together with its corresponding Apostille, preferably in the same PDF file.
I cannot provide a firm quotation without seeing the documents or receiving sufficiently detailed information about their type and page count.
Sworn Spanish translation for British citizens
Need a sworn translation of British documents?
Whether you are already living in Spain, planning your move or dealing with a legal or administrative matter between the UK and Spain, as a sworn Spanish translator, I can help you with professional, reliable sworn English-to-Spanish translations.
You will be dealing directly with an experienced individual translator, not an agency or middleman.
Virginia Pérez Román BA GDL MCIL CL
Sworn Spanish Translator
Appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003 – No. 4057
Email: info@vprspanishtranslations.com
Website: www.vprspanishtranslations.com
Sworn Spanish translation for British citizens – Useful links for British citizens planning to travel, move to or do paperwork in Spain
1. GOV.UK – Spain: Notarial and Documentary Services
Official guidance on notarial services, British documents and documentary requirements in Spain.
2. GOV.UK – Documents for British People Abroad
Information for British citizens living in Spain, including official documentation and consular services.
3. MAEC – Official Register of Sworn Translators and Interpreters
Official Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs register of government-appointed sworn translators.
4. GOV.UK – Applying for Probate
Guidance on applying for a Grant of Probate and administering an estate in England and Wales.
5. GOV.UK – Apply for Probate
Practical information about the probate application process and supporting documents.
6. GOV.UK – Find a Will or Probate Document
Search for wills and probate records in England and Wales.
7. GOV.UK – Inheritance Tax
Official guidance on UK Inheritance Tax, reporting requirements and estate administration.
8. Companies House – Find and Update Company Information
Official UK company register, providing access to incorporation details, directors, annual accounts and company filings.
9. GOV.UK – Filing Company Information
Guidance on filing annual accounts and statutory company information.
10. Spain – Public Sector Procurement Platform
Official Spanish public procurement platform, where companies can find tender notices and procurement documentation.
11. GOV.UK – Find a Tender
UK government portal for searching public sector procurement opportunities and higher-value contracts.
12. GOV.UK – Contracts Finder
Search for public sector contract opportunities in England.
13. GOV.UK – Get Your Document Legalised
Official guidance on obtaining a UK Hague Apostille through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
14. HCCH – Apostille Convention
Information about the Hague Apostille Convention and the international authentication of public documents.
15. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Legalisation of Documents
Information about legalisation requirements for foreign documents submitted to Spanish authorities.
