Investment approach
Sworn translation and notary interpreters in Spain: what's required
A Spanish notary must be satisfied that the buyer understands what they are signing. A buyer who does not speak Spanish needs an interpreter, and foreign documents need a sworn translation.
If the buyer's Spanish is not good enough, the notary may require an interpreter at the signing and, without one, may refuse to authorise the deed. Foreign documents are a separate requirement: they have to be translated by a sworn translator, because the notary will not accept an ordinary translation.
Why the notary needs an interpreter
A Spanish notary has to be satisfied that every party understands what is in the escritura. A signature alone does not show that. If the buyer's Spanish (or Catalan, where the deed is drawn up in Catalan) is not good enough, the notary may require an interpreter to be present. Without one, the notary can refuse to authorise the deed.
Sworn translation of documents
A power of attorney granted abroad, certificates, the corporate documents of a company that is buying: every foreign document used in the purchase has to be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) accredited by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The notary will not accept an ordinary translation, however professional. Documents from countries that have signed the Hague Convention also need an apostille. Documents from countries outside the convention are legalised at the consulate instead.
Interpreting on the day of signing
For the signing itself, an oral interpretation of what the deed says is enough. The rules for an interpreter are less strict than for a written sworn translation, but an individual notary may set conditions of their own. Find out what they are in advance, not on the day of completion.
Fitting translation into the timeline
A sworn translation of a set of documents takes anything from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the volume. Run it in parallel with the power of attorney and the NIE, not after them.
Questions and answers
Can I use a translation made in my own country?
It may be accepted if it has been properly certified and apostilled. A translation by a Spanish sworn translator is the safer choice: it is accepted without further questions.
Do I need an interpreter if a Spanish-speaking representative signs on my behalf?
Not on the day of completion, as long as the person acting under your power of attorney speaks Spanish. But the power of attorney itself will still have to be translated if it is not in Spanish.