A legal translation is the translation of a legal document such as a contract.
An official translation is the translation of any document which needs to serve as a legally valid instrument. Only official translators are authorised to certify official translations. In Spain, official translators are appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
An apostille is an official form attached to documents to be used in countries which are signatories of the Hague Convention
In Spain, an official translation produced by an official translator does not need to bear the apostille.
Some examples of when official translations are needed:
- If an English Will disposes of a property in Spain, an official translation into Spanish of the Will is necessary;
- If a property in Spain is transferred by an English divorce order, an official translation into Spanish of the order is necessary;
- If an English judgement has to be enforced in Spain, an official translation into Spanish of the judgment is necessary;
- If a British woman marries in Spain, she will need an official translation into English of the marriage certificate to change her name.