You’re almost ready to go abroad but find out you need to send a sworn translation of your documents to finish your administration. But what are sworn translations and why do you need such a translation?
What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation is basically an officially accepted translation of certain document like legal or financial documents, certificates, or diplomas. The translation is always performed by a professional translator or ‘sworn translator’. These translators are authorised by the government of a certain country to perform translations of documents. The difference with a normal basic translation is that these are signed by a sworn translator and therefore are regarded as truthful and accurate. The sworn translation is responsible for this matter.
The translator is required to deliver a correct reproduction of text in another language (including errors). They all sworn under oath that the translation performed are correct and match the original document to assure it is in accordance with legal requirements. The exact regulations for sworn translations may differ in various countries.
When do you need a sworn translation?
Especially official bodies like the government or court require documents to be translated by an official sworn translator. Examples include birth certificates, drivers’ licence, legal documents, marriage certificated and more. For example, when you want to work abroad, you need to give your new employer a sworn translation of your certificates and diplomas. Some countries only allow the states translators to perform a sworn translation. This person should have the correct credentials and should be a member or a specific translation association. Others have a less strict policy for sworn translations.
Why is a sworn translation important?
When translating important documents, it is necessary to guarantee the accuracy and legal recognition. It is even mandatory for some documents to have them sworn translated. Else they will have not be officially recognised or even have no value in the eyes of different authorities.
When is a sworn translation needed?
Sworn translations are often more expensive than regular translations. Be careful because it is not always required to get a sworn translation. It would be a waste of money to get a sworn translation when it is not required by the authorities.
Sometimes it is sufficient to have a translation certified, like financial translations. A certified translation is one that has a signed statement certifying that the translation is performed correctly. This certificate can be provided by a professional translator or translation agency. With a certified translation is not necessary to have an official test to provide this service. It is only important to make sure to let it be performed by a reliable party. You can often consult the organisation or person who you are submitting to what kind of translation actually is needed. If a sworn translation is not required, it may be more cost-effective to get a certified translation.
Next to certified and sworn translation you can also have it legalised. Legalisation is often used interchangeably with the other two translation methods but is not the same. Legalising a translation only means that the signature on the document is real and therefore can be used abroad. It does not confirm the accuracy of the translation.
How to find a reliable translation agency
It is important to let a translation be performed by trustworthy and reliable translation agency. Because there are so many of them, it can sometimes be difficult to choose a party. There are some criteria that you need to consider before you outsource a translation job. First, check the customer reviews of the agency.
Also, check if the reviews look trustworthy and real or only consist of fake anonymous reviews. In some cases, you can also request a demo of the translation. Second, check if the price is reasonable and in line with what others ask for a translation job. Lastly, check if an agency is qualified to perform, for instance, a certified translation or sworn translation. The agency should have an accreditation mark that indicates that the agency reaches high standards. This way you know that the agency only employs certified and experienced translators and the translations performed are of good quality.
To make this cycle simpler and quicker, The Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 drafted the Apostille Convention, which is a stamp or printed structure containing ten numbered standard fields. It ensures that every one of the records from the organization or legal life forms in all of the 51 nations that marked it are substantial in those nations.
Consequently, every sworn interpretation ought to be joined by this assurance to be compelling. This apostille ensures that the individual who sends the interpretation (in certain nations, for example Spain, it is normally the interpreter), goes about as attester of the report and guarantees the exactness, culmination and official worth of the record.
Ensuring an interpretation could turn into a wordy methodology. For instance, if a record must be interpreted from a non-signatory State, this should be confirmed twice (in the nation of beginning and the nation where it will be utilized).
With the apostille, the records can be authorized without outsiders partaking and subsequently making the interaction quicker and easier.
