When an official document needs to be submitted to a public administration, a foreign university, or a court, a simple translation is not enough. In these cases, a certified translation (also called a sworn translation) is required — a legally valid translation that certifies the accuracy between the original text and its version in another language.
Professional sworn translations are essential for legal, academic, or administrative procedures, and can only be carried out by sworn translators accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an equivalent authority. These professionals must meet a set of legal requirements to ensure the document’s validity and authenticity.
What Are Sworn Translations?
Sworn translations are those that have legal validity and are used to present official documents before public administrations, courts, universities, or foreign institutions.
Unlike a regular translation, a professional sworn translation can only be done by a sworn translator accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another competent authority, who certifies with their signature and official seal that the translated content is complete and faithful to the original.
Main Features of a Sworn Translation
- Official Certification: It bears the seal, name, and signature of the sworn translator, giving it legal status.
- Fidelity to the Original Document: The translator certifies that the translation accurately reflects the content of the original text, with no omissions or modifications.
- Recognized Format: It includes a sworn statement, the translated text, and usually a copy of the original document attached.
- Legal Validity: It is accepted by ministries, embassies, courts, universities, and international organizations.
When Is a Sworn Translation Required?
Sworn translations are required whenever an official document written in another language must be submitted to a public or private authority.
Common examples include:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates.
- Academic degrees and transcripts.
- Employment, commercial, or notarial contracts.
- Court rulings, criminal records, or powers of attorney.
- Documentation for tenders, certifications, or immigration procedures.
In all these cases, the translation must be signed and sealed by a sworn translator to be legally valid in the country of destination. Not sure if your document requires a sworn translation? Contact us, and we’ll advise you.
Difference Between a Sworn and a Simple Translation
A simple translation is only for informational or commercial use and cannot be submitted to official bodies.
A professional sworn translation, on the other hand, carries legal weight — it certifies that the translated content is accurate and authentic, making it valid for official and legal procedures.
Why Trust Us as Professional Sworn Translators
Entrusting your documents to a team of professional sworn translators is essential when dealing with official, legal, or academic procedures.
Our commitment is to provide accuracy, confidentiality, and legal validity in every translation, ensuring that your documents are accepted seamlessly by any national or international authority.
We work exclusively with officially accredited sworn translators, guaranteeing that each translation includes the required signature, seal, and certification. From document reception to final delivery — whether printed, digital, or both — we ensure compliance with all legal requirements and deadlines.
