Sworn Translation by Country: Spain, France, Italy and Germany
If you need a UK document recognised in Spain, France, Italy or Germany — or a document from one of those countries accepted in the UK — you will likely encounter the term sworn translation. Each of these countries runs its own system of officially appointed translators, and the requirements differ. This guide outlines how sworn translation works in each, and what it means for documents moving between the UK and these countries. Always confirm the precise requirement with the receiving authority, as rules change and vary by document type.
Why these countries are different from the UK
Spain, France, Italy and Germany are civil-law countries with formal registers of sworn translators authorised by a court or government body. A translation produced and stamped by such a translator is officially recognised within that country. The UK has no equivalent register, so UK documents going to these countries usually need either a sworn translation produced in the destination country or UK certification plus legalisation.
Spain
Spain recognises traductores jurados, translators appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their stamped and signed translations are accepted by Spanish authorities. For a UK document used in Spain, you typically need a sworn translation by an appointed Spanish translator, and the UK document itself may need an apostille first.
France
France uses traducteurs assermentés, translators sworn before a court of appeal. French authorities generally require sworn translations for official documents. A UK document for use in France usually needs an apostille on the original, followed by a sworn translation recognised in France.
Italy
Italy operates a system of traduzione giurata (also called asseverazione), where the translator swears to the accuracy of the translation before a court or authorised official. For UK documents used in Italy, expect a requirement for a sworn translation, often with the original legalised by apostille.
Germany
Germany recognises court-sworn translators (beeidigte or vereidigte Übersetzer). Their certified translations are accepted by German authorities. UK documents for use in Germany commonly need a translation by such a translator, and may require an apostille on the original.
Moving documents in both directions
- UK document going abroad: usually apostille the UK original via the FCDO, then obtain a sworn translation recognised in the destination country.
- Foreign sworn document coming to the UK: for UK use, a certified English translation is generally what UK authorities expect; a foreign sworn stamp alone may not be sufficient.
How a UK agency helps
Coordinating an apostille, a sworn translation in the right country, and consistent handling of names and dates is where mistakes happen. A UK agency with an international network can manage the full chain so the final document is accepted at its destination, rather than leaving you to assemble the steps yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need an apostille as well as a sworn translation?
Often, but not always. It depends on the document and the receiving authority. Confirm both the translation and legalisation requirements before starting.
Can the translation be done in the UK?
For some purposes, yes, via translators recognised in the destination country or via certification and legalisation. For others, the destination country requires its own sworn translator. We will advise based on your country and document.
How far ahead should I plan?
Allow extra time. Apostilles and sworn translations involve third parties and can take longer than a standard certified translation.
Sending documents to Spain, France, Italy or Germany? Espresso Translations will advise and arrange the correct route. Contact us at 71–75 Shelton Street, London, WC2H 9JQ, or call +44 203 488 1841.
