What is a Sworn Translation?

A sworn translation (a.k.a. a certified translation) is an authorized translation service, used to translate legal documents or certificates. This includes birth certificates, divorce certificate, notary documents, university degrees, academic records, certificates of incorporation, statutes and other official documents.

Only authorized sworn translators can provide a sworn translation. Sworn translators endorse the documents they translate with their signature and seal. This means that the translator takes full responsibility for the accuracy of the document. This endorsement grants the document an official, formal status and a legal value that is equivalent to the original document.

When is a Sworn Translation Required?

A document that is written in a foreign language and presented to official bodies (e.g. birth certificate, divorce, administrative bodies, a university, a court, a notary) is normally accompanied by an exact Sworn Translation of the original text. In this case, a sworn translator is required.

On the other hand, a sworn translation can be used to guarantee the accuracy of the information translated, given that a sworn translator takes responsibility for the translation with his/her signature and seal.

Why a Sworn Translation can be important

When translating certain types of documents, it is necessary to have a guarantee of accuracy and legal recognition. Especially if you need to present these documents to an official body, such as a court, university or a notary. In such cases, a sworn translation is often mandatory. 

A non-sworn translator cannot officially guarantee the accuracy of a translated document, as they are not certified to do so. Thus, a regular translation of such documents will hold no value in the eyes of the authorities.

A sworn translator officially guarantees the accuracy of the translated documents by signing and stamping the documents, and assigning a unique registration number. They also provide their credentials and contact details.

THE FORMAT OF A SWORN TRANSLATION

• PAPER A4
• FONT TIMES NEW ROMANS
• FONT SIZE 12
• SPACE DOUBLE (2)

Which Documents does a Sworn Translator Usually Translate?

Many institutions require a sworn translation when dealing with documents in a foreign language.

For example, when validating a foreign university degree in the Ministry of Education, a sworn translation is required.

Another time when sworn translations are needed is when studying abroad, where it is necessary to present an academic record, which should be certified by a sworn translator.

In the case of marrying abroad, a sworn translation of the birth certificate of the foreign spouse(s) is usually required.

In the world of business, there are many cases in which a sworn translation is needed, for example, when a company has commercial relations abroad, it is commonplace to require a sworn translation of the certificate of incorporation, statutes, and other internal documents.