A  certified or sworn translation is a complete, correct translation of an official document which has been carried out by a sworn translator. Certified translations have been stamped and signed and are thus valid in the context of public authorities, agencies, courts or other official institutions.

Certified translations require an official attestation from the translator in the form of a stamp and signature. A certified translation entails the complete, correct translation of an official document which can only be carried out by a sworn translator who has been authorised by a court of law.

The terms ‘official’ and ‘certified’ translations are often used synonymously. A translation is considered ‘official’ if it is an official document, the correctness of which has been verified as a certified translation or with an affidavit from the translator. Certified translations usually require a stamp and signature in order to be considered valid.

There is no such thing as a ‘notarised translation’, per se – but a translation can indeed be certified by a notary. Although the term ‘notarised’ is commonly used in this situation, ‘certified translation’ is a more accurate descriptor, because notaries are generally not authorised to translate documents into or out of foreign languages.

Certified translations are exclusively carried out by sworn translators. These translators have special certification and are authorised by a court to be able to translate and certify official documents. Please note: Both “official” and “certified” translations can be used as synonyms for services provided by the same sworn translators.