Certified, sworn or notarised translation: which one do you need?

Certified translation

A certified translation is signed and stamped by the translator or translation company, with a statement that it is complete and accurate. It is accepted by many universities, employers, immigration authorities (for example in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States) and by Mauritian institutions.

Sworn translation

In several civil-law countries – France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and others – authorities require a translation made by a translator sworn before a court of that country (for example a traducteur expert près une cour d'appel in France). The translator's seal carries legal weight in that country. We tell you before quoting whether a sworn translation is needed and prepare a compliant translation.

Notarised translation

A notarised translation carries a notarial certification of the translator's signature or declaration. It certifies the identity of the person who signed, not the quality of the translation. Some authorities ask for it, often as a step before an apostille. See our notary services.

Apostilled or legalised translation

When the translation itself must be recognised abroad, it can be apostilled (for Hague Convention countries) or legalised by an embassy – usually after notarisation. See apostille and embassy legalisation.

How to know which one you need

The receiving authority decides. Look at its instructions for the words "certified", "sworn", "official", "notarised" or "legalised", or simply send them to us with your document. We check the requirements and quote for exactly what is needed – no more, no less.