A certified translation is a legally binding guarantee by the translator of the authenticity of the translated document. As such, it is both signed and stamped. Certified translations can only be provided by sworn translators. The requirements for this differ from country to country – and a certified translation from country A may not necessarily be recognised in country B. Please therefore let us know the country for which the certified translation is required so that we can select a translator with the appropriate authorisations.

Documents which often require a certified translation:

• ID papers, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce papers
• References (e.g. education or job references)
• Bank documents, insurance documents
• Purchase contracts, rental contracts
• Judicial decisions
• Medical reports (e.g. for insurance)
• Etc.

We provide companies with certified translations of documents such as:

• Financial statements, balance sheets, quarterly reports
• Extracts from the commercial register
• Employment contracts, business contracts, partnership contracts
• Licences, patents
• etc.

Legal provisions and certification processes worldwide:

Netherlands
In the Netherlands, certified translations of official documents such as birth/marriage certificates, diplomas, etc. may only be carried out by sworn translators. These translators have the relevant authorisation from the Dutch Court of Justice. Sworn translation Dutch

Belgium
In Belgium, a distinction is made between sworn and legalised translations. A sworn translation bears the signature and/or stamp of the sworn translator. A legalised translation, on the other hand, must also bear the stamp of the court where the translator is accredited. Certified translation French, Flemish

Greece
Certified translations can be carried out by a lawyer or by the translation department of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and occasionally by certified translators, of which,  there are very few. Certified translation Greek

Norway
Statsautoriserte Translatørers Forening (STF) - The association of state-approved and sworn translators and interpreters in Norway. Members will have passed a very demanding written and oral translation examination in the relevant foreign language, into Norwegian and/or from Norwegian. This "Translatøreksamen" is the highest Norwegian award for the written translation of specialised texts (business, administration, law, trade and technology) from and into Norwegian. Certified translation Norwegian

Denmark
Only state-authorised translators may produce certified translations that are legally recognised. As further proof of legal validity, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs may have a certified translation "legalised" by a state-authorised translator. As a rule, the Danish police and the courts will require translations to be carried out (and certified) by a state-approved translator. If a document is to be used in a non-signatory state, its embassy representation in Denmark must legalise the document. Certified translation Danish

Venezuela
In Venezuela, a certified/sworn translator is called an Interprete Público. This title is granted by the Ministry of the Interior and Justice of Venezuela. A foreign language document only has "legal value" if it is translated by an Interprete Público. Certified translation Spanish

Argentina
In accordance with Law No. 20305, all public documents (including personal papers and some business contracts) must be translated by an 'officially certified translator', whose seal and signature on each document must be legalised by the professional association responsible for the translator. Certified translation Spanish

Germany
German regional courts can appoint 'sworn or authorised translators' (depending on the federal state).

Sworn translations German

Indonesia
In Indonesia, sworn translators are often referred to as certified or authorised translators; they will have completed training and passed a qualification examination for legal translations at the School of Linguistics and Cultural Studies, University of Indonesia (FIBUI). After passing the exam, they are sworn in by the Governor of DKI Jakarta. Certified translation Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)

Italy
Both the Italian courts and consulates are authorised to approve candidates who pass an exam or can verify their language skills (usually by way of a university degree) as "official translators".

Certified translation Italian

Mexico
In Mexico, some local bodies, such as the Court of Appeal, stipulate that a translator must have successfully passed a written and oral examination in order to be recognised as an expert or "sworn" translator.

Certified translation Spanish

Poland
The standards of translation in Poland are regulated by a relevant department of the Ministry of Justice. Any translator wishing to offer such services must pass an official examination.

Certified translation Polish

South Africa
In South Africa, the translator must be recognised by the Supreme Court and must personally use an original (or an affidavit copy of an original) as his source text on the spot. The translator can only swear his or her own translation. No other witnesses (such as a notary) are required to attest the authenticity of the translation. Sworn translation English, Afrikaans

Spain
In Spain, only sworn translators can carry out a certified translation. To work as a sworn translator in Spain, the candidate must pass an examination before the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Sworn translation Spanish

Sweden
The "Kammarkollegiet" is an authority that appoints interpreters and translators who must first pass a rigorous examination by this organisation. Authorised translators have a protected professional title. Their translations are considered legally valid and binding for all legal purposes. Certified translation Swedish

United States of America
The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics states, "Currently, there is no general form of certification required of interpreters and translators in the United States, but there are a variety of different tests that workers can take to demonstrate language proficiency." Certified translation English

United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) grants  a translator the right to certify translations. The ITI ensures that translators have the requisite language skills and expertise. The Institute can hold its members accountable in case of complaints. Sworn translation English

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