Sworn translation of foreign degrees for recognition in Spain: Carsten's story
By Learndix Language Experts · Official sworn translators in Madrid and Málaga
What do you need to get a foreign degree recognised in Spain?
To have a foreign university degree officially recognised in Spain, you must have an official sworn translation produced by a sworn translator-interpreter accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Without that document, no university, professional body or employer can validate your credentials. A translation by a bilingual individual, however good, has no legal validity.
Carsten's story: 15 years of engineering, one piece of paper and a bulldog at home
Carsten had spent more than fifteen years designing bridges and leading engineering projects in Germany. When he got a job offer in Spain, he didn't think twice.
‘Darling, we can finally move to Spain. I just need to get my degrees recognised and that's it.’
Or so he thought.
The mistake that nearly brought everything to a halt
At the university's front desk, they broke the news:
‘We need a sworn translation of your degree certificate and transcript. Without it, we can't validate anything.’
Carsten tried to explain that he already had the documents translated by his wife's cousin's wife, who was from Málaga. The answer was clear:
‘Just any translation won't do. It has to be sworn and certified by an official translator.’
Without recognition, the company couldn't hire him. Without that job, the move to Spain was in jeopardy. And worst of all, his wife had already packed the suitcases and had a face like a bulldog.
The clock was ticking.
What he found when he looked for solutions
❌ Agencies that took weeks to deliver the translation.
❌ Sky-high prices with no clear explanation.
❌ Translations done entirely with AI, with no professional review.
Every day lost meant another argument at home.
What he found at Learndix
✅ Official sworn translation, fast and hassle-free.
✅ Delivery in days, not weeks, in every language.
✅ Digital and paper formats, depending on what each procedure requires.
Within a few days, he had the document ready and the recognition process under way. When Madrid asked him for confirmation, he was able to prove that everything was in progress.
The move went ahead. The bulldog calmed down.
What is a sworn translation and why is it compulsory for degree recognition?
A sworn translation is one produced by an official sworn translator-interpreter authorised by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. Unlike an ordinary translation, it bears the translator's signature and official stamp, which gives it legal validity before public bodies, universities and companies.
It is compulsory in the following cases, among others:
- Official recognition of foreign university degrees in Spain
- Validation of academic transcripts
- Immigration and residency procedures
- Court and notarial proceedings
- Employment that requires proof of an official qualification
Documents that need a sworn translation for recognition in Spain
If you're coming from Germany, France, the UK, Italy or any other non-Spanish-speaking country and want to practise your profession in Spain, these are the documents that usually require a sworn translation:
- University degree certificate (Hochschulabschluss, Bachelor’s degree, Licence, Laurea…)
- Academic transcript with grades
- European Diploma Supplement, if you have one
- Certificates of additional training related to your profession
- Identity documents, if the procedure requires them
Why a non-sworn translation won't work for recognition
This is the most common and most expensive mistake. Many people ask a bilingual relative, a language teacher or an agency without official accreditation to do the translation. The result is always the same: the receiving body rejects it and you have to start from scratch, having lost both time and money.
The difference between a sworn and a non-sworn translation is not about linguistic quality: it is about legal validity. Only an official sworn translator can issue a document with legal effect in Spain.
Frequently asked questions about sworn translation for degree recognition in Spain
How long does a sworn translation of a university degree take?
At Learndix, we deliver sworn translations in days, not weeks. The exact turnaround depends on the volume and the language pair, but we will give you a firm deadline within 24 hours of receiving your document.
How much does a sworn translation of a degree certificate or academic transcript cost?
The price depends on the number of pages, the language and how urgent it is. At Learndix, we offer no-obligation quotes with no hidden costs. Request yours here.
Which languages do you cover for sworn translations?
We work with German, English, French, Italian and other European languages. Ask us about your specific language pair.
Is a sworn translation valid in both digital and paper format?
Yes. We deliver in either format, depending on what the receiving body requires, whether it's a university, a professional body or a company.
Can I use a machine or AI translation for degree recognition?
No. Official bodies require a sworn translation signed and stamped by an authorised translator. An AI translation, even if it is linguistically correct, has no legal validity and will be rejected.
Can you also help me with other documents for my move to Spain?
Yes. At Learndix, we handle all kinds of sworn translations related to relocation, residency and starting work in Spain: contracts, certificates, notarial documents and more.
📌 If your future depends on a piece of paper, don't let red tape hold you back.
Write to us here and we'll sort it out today.
Learndix Language Experts · Sworn translators in Madrid and Málaga · contact@learndix.com · +34 650 276 885