Certified, sworn and legalized translations

When it comes to the translation of official documents, our clients often cannot distinguish between the different services offered. In fact, they need our advice to understand which type of translation is best suited to their needs. Certified translations, sworn translations, legalized translations… For the less experienced, these names can create misunderstandings and confusion. What type of service is hidden behind each term and what are the differences between the different types of translation?

Certified translations

By certified translation we mean, precisely, a certification service for official documents to ensure their validity abroad. In fact, the customer is provided with a translation accompanied by a document certifying its fidelity to the original. Also known as “Certified Translation”, this certificate is requested by bodies in foreign countries, such as Canada, Holland, the United Kingdom and Germany. It usually consists of a self-certification drawn up by the translator on headed paper, called a Certificate of Accuracy or CTA, which certifies the conformity of the document translated into the language.

Obviously, the translator assumes all legal responsibility for the text produced, therefore the details and personal details of the professional involved are attached. The translator is therefore the guarantor of what has been composed, and therefore can and must always be traceable in case of eventuality. Not requiring further oaths or particular formalities, this type of translation is usually quick and exempt from stamp duty. It is, therefore, preferred in the case of documents such as diplomas, certificates and company sheets. Having no legal value, however, it cannot be used for texts coming from public judicial bodies.

Sworn translations

Sworn or certified translations, unlike certified ones, are accompanied by an official document issued by a Court, which certifies the authenticity and conformity to the original of what has been translated. In this case, in fact, the translator must go in person before a Public Official and must take an oath. This declaration will then be countersigned and integrated into the definitive text by the Court. This procedure is called assertion.

The translation performed therefore also has legal value. In fact, it has special stamps and seals and is therefore subject to stamp duty. Furthermore, in this case the translation must necessarily be literal and slavish, as the drafted text must be equal to the original in content and structure. The sworn translation is suitable for all official registry certificates, passports, driving licences, financial statements and deeds. In fact, slavish translation is used when a foreign document must be used in Italy by a body or authority or when an Italian document must be valid abroad.

traduzioni certificate e giurate

Legalized translations

The legalized translation concludes what the professional has undertaken with submission to the Court. In fact, after the oath and the release of the corresponding document, the text must be legalized. Legalizing means certifying the authenticity of the signature and the qualification as a Public Official of the person who signed the oath. This step is necessary to officially recognize the legal value of the sworn certification. Legalization will be necessary if the document is to be presented abroad. To do this, apostilles must be affixed to the translation.

This procedure, in the past more complicated and onerous, was facilitated by the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961. According to this, it is sufficient to simply affix the apostille stamp to certify the authenticity of the translated document, as well as its legal validity. Legalized translation is suitable for documents such as passports and identity documents, civil and criminal sentences, immigration powers of attorney and all criminal record documents. It does not involve costs or payment of stamps.