In a previous post, we discussed certificates of translation in the U.S. context. While certified translations are generally used in the context of common law countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and other former British colonies, sworn translations are typically used in civil law jurisdictions, including most of continential Europe and certain countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
A sworn translation is an official document from a government, organization or business entity that has been translated into another language and that is accepted as a valid, legal document. Sworn translations are prepared by sworn translators who are qualified and registered before a government entity in the relevant country or jurisdiction. Sworn translations are made when a document is to be presented to a court or other public institution. Official documents may include the following:
- birth or death certificates,
- university diplomas and certificates,
- wills and other testamentary documents,
- deeds,
- licenses or permits,
- powers of attorney,
- minutes of corporate meetings,
- corporate organizational and corporate governance documentation,
- contracts, letters of understanding, memoranda or
- court rulings.
In Spain, sworn translators must pass an examination administered by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and must be registered before that entity. Only printed copies of sworn translations may be provided as such documents must include the signature and seal of the sworn translator. Sworn translators in South Africa must pass an examination administered by the South African Translators Institute (SATI), a professional association recognized by the government of South Africa, and swear an oath before the High Court in South Africa. Italy requires that sworn translators be registered before the Italian Courts of Justice and the Italian Chamber of Industry, Craft and Agriculture, and translations issued by sworn translators be sworn before the local Court of Justice.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of countries that require sworn translations:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Colombia
- the Czech Republic
- France
- Germany
- Indonesia
- Italy
- the Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- South Africa
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Turkey
