What is Sworn Translation?

The importance of language translation solutions in today’s globalized world is well established. The accuracy of translations is the one factor no one wants to compromise on, especially when it’s about legal laws and compliance. In this case, notarized, certified, and sworn translations are sought. All of these translations have their own accuracy and integrity that guarantees how precise and to the point translation solutions are. There are variations among these translations; therefore, it's also critical to comprehend how they differ from one another.

This blog post will define sworn translation, discuss its necessity, who can perform it, and how it differs from standard translation.

What Is Sworn Translation?

Simply speaking, sworn translation is the official translation of legal documents, performed by translators authorized to certify their translations' accuracy and authenticity. These translators have either taken an oath or been officially recognized by a government authority or court. Their certification, often in the form of a stamp and signature, confirms that the translated document is a true and accurate representation of the original.

Sworn translations are required for legal, administrative, and official purposes where the translated document needs to have the same legal validity as the original.

These translators are authorized by the legal system of a country, which is why their statement holds immense value. Other than being used in a country’s legal sector, these documents are also submitted to the public authorities. These translations have the power to change the whole outcome of a lawsuit, if involved in one.

This is why their accuracy is non-negotiable, and the person performing these translations is highly responsible for the task. These translations validate the accuracy of translated documents.

Who Can Do a Sworn Translation?

Not every translator can do this kind of job. A sworn translator is someone who is approved by the law. Each country has its own rules. Translators have to pass exams to become eligible to provide this type of translation. In some countries, translators need to be listed in a special government register. These translators take an oath. They promise to always tell the truth and never change any part of the meaning.

This oath is why it is called “sworn” translation. Only these translators can add a seal, sign, and date on the translation. This shows that the translation is complete and faithful to the original.

Types of Docs for Which Sworn Translation are Needed

You need a sworn translation for any document that has legal or official value. Some common examples are:

Birth or marriage certificates: Often needed when applying for a visa or getting married in another country.
Academic transcripts: Required when studying abroad.
Legal contracts: Used when doing business in another country.
Court orders or rulings: Needed in international legal cases
Power of attorney papers: Used when giving legal rights to someone in another country

What Does a Sworn Translation Look Like?

A sworn translation has the translator’s seal and signature. It also includes a statement saying, “This is a true and correct translation of the original document”. Each page will be stamped. The translator adds the date and place. Some countries also need the translator to attach the original paper or a copy.

This makes the translation complete. It becomes part of the official record. You can show it to courts, schools, embassies, and more.

Different From Regular Translations

Sworn translations aren't the ones that you need every day. It is used for legal or official papers. Many people need it when they move to another country or deal with the law. Sworn translation makes sure that documents are accepted by courts, schools, or government offices. These translations follow legal rules, and the translator must be officially recognized. They are responsible for every word they write. They must never change or guess anything.

Also, normal translations do not have legal power. They can't be used in court or for visas. Sworn translations are legally binding. This means they can be used in legal cases and are accepted by public offices.

In case you are a business and want to translate all your marketing and advertising content for global audiences, you will need marketing or business translations, not sworn translations.

Can Sworn Translations Be Done Online?

Yes, but with care. Some translators work online and send papers by email or post. However, the rules depend on the country. Some need paper copies with wet signatures and stamps. Others allow digital versions with secure certificates.

Are Sworn Translators the Same Everywhere?

As mentioned earlier, sworn translators are the ones appointed and selected by the government and state. As they are officially recognized by the government, these government rules vary in every country. One rule acceptable in one state could be different in another state, so there's really no certainty.

France

In France, a sworn translator is called a traducteur assermenté. They must be approved by a French court. These translators take an oath in front of a judge. Once approved, they can stamp and sign documents. Their translations are valid across the country. People often need their services for court cases, visa applications, or school papers.

Spain

Spain has a different system. Sworn translators are certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They are called traductores jurados. They also take an oath and get a special ID number. Their stamp includes the national coat of arms. Spanish public offices and courts will only accept papers translated by these official translators.

Germany

In Germany, things work at the state level, not the national level. Each federal state (like Bavaria or Berlin) manages its own list of sworn translators. These translators take an oath at the local court. So, someone approved in one state may need extra steps to work in another. It’s important to check which state your document will be used in.

United States

The U.S. does not have a national system for sworn translators. Instead, the rules change by state or by the requesting office. A certified translation, in which the translator certifies that the translation is accurate, is frequently required. Notarized translations may be required by certain courts in legal proceedings. Certified translations are frequently accepted by immigration officials (such as USCIS) without requiring a sworn translator.

Italy

In Italy, sworn translations (called traduzioni giurate) are done at the courthouse. The translator must appear in person to swear an oath for each translation.

Brazil

In Brazil, only translators who pass a public exam can become sworn translators (tradutor público juramentado). Their license is issued by the state.

Turkey

In Turkey, sworn translators must work through a notary. The notary certifies their translations.

Cost of Sworn Translation

Sworn translation usually costs more than regular translation. This is because it includes legal responsibility. Sworn translators do more than just change words from one language to another. They also take full responsibility for the accuracy of every line. Their signature and stamp make the document legally valid.

They must be careful with names, numbers, legal terms, and formatting. Even one small mistake could cause problems for the client. This is why sworn translators take extra time to review and double-check every word.

Number of Pages

The more pages you have, the more you’ll pay. Some translators charge per word, others per page. A short certificate may cost less than a long legal contract. Always check if the translator charges by the page, word, or document.

Language Combination

Prices also depend on the two languages being used. If both languages are common, the price may be lower. If one or both languages are rare, it may cost more.

For instance:

English to Spanish may cost less than English to Icelandic.
Arabic to Japanese may be more expensive than French to English.

Urgency of the Job

Time matters. You should budget for a rush cost if you require the translation right away. Although it costs more, some translators provide same-day or next-day service. To assist you, a translator may have to work beyond regular business hours or take on additional tasks. That’s why urgent jobs cost more. Also, always tell the translator your deadline before starting the project. That way, you can agree on a timeline and cost.

Printed or Certified Copies

Some clients need paper copies with an official stamp and signature. Others are fine with a digital version.

If you need a paper copy, the cost may go up slightly. The translator might charge for:

Printing and handling
Delivery or postage
Additional certified copies

Extra Services

Sometimes, sworn translators offer more than just translation. This can depend on the legal case for which sworn translations are needed, and translators have to be present in person to get the job done properly.

They might:

Attend court to explain a document.
Help you with a sworn declaration.
Notarize the translation with a notary public.

These services are not always included in the main quote. They often come at an additional cost, which can vary depending on the case. Always ask what’s included in the price.

Country and Legal Rules

Costs also depend on the country you are in. Each country sets its own rules, fees, and market rates. For example:

In Germany, sworn translators are registered with courts, and fees are often standard.
In Brazil, rates are set by the government.
In the U.S., costs can vary widely depending on the translator and the state.

Sworn Translation VS Certified Translation

Aspect	Sworn Translation	Certified Translation
Legal Status	Has legal value on its own. Accepted by courts and public offices.	Not legally binding unless accepted by a specific authority.
Translator’s Role	Done by a government-authorized translator who has taken an oath in court.	Done by a qualified translator who signs a statement saying the translation is correct.
Signature and Stamp	Includes official stamp, signature, and legal declaration from the sworn translator.	Includes translator’s signed certificate but no official government stamp.
Recognition	Recognized by legal and government bodies in specific countries.	Often accepted by universities, USCIS, and businesses, but not always by courts.
Use Cases	For court papers, legal contracts, civil records, or immigration cases in some countries.	For school documents, visa applications, job resumes, or informal legal needs.
Approval Process	The translator must be approved and registered by the courts or a state authority.	The translator does not need legal approval but should be trained and experienced.
Countries Where It Exists	Common in countries like France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, and Italy.	Common in countries like the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Format Requirements	Strict formatting with seal, page numbering, and original-document copy attached.	Flexible format, but must include a signed certification letter.
Responsibility	The translator is legally responsible for accuracy. Can face penalties for mistakes.	The translator takes personal responsibility, but it is not a legal oath.
Costs	Usually higher due to legal status and official approval.	Often lower unless additional services (like notarization) are needed.

Is Notarized Translation the Same?

No. They are not the same. A notarized translation is signed in front of a notary. It proves that the person who signed the paper did so in front of a legal witness. But this does not mean the translation is checked for correctness. A notary is not a language expert. Sworn translators, on the other hand, are both legal and language professionals.

So, if a document needs to be both correct and legally valid, sworn translation is the better option.

Final Words

Sworn translation is a trusted and legal way to change documents from one language to another. It is not just a simple rewrite. It follows strict rules. It makes legal papers safe to use in courts, schools, or official offices. Only trained and officially recognized professionals can do this work. They help make sure nothing gets lost or changed. These individuals are approved by the state and the government, and their statements are considered 100% accurate. Every country has its own set of rules and administrative authority that approves these sworn translators.

If you are looking for sworn and certified translators, you need to look no further because at MarsTranslation, we offer translation solutions to all of your legal sworn translation needs and make sure you get the desired results in the fastest turnaround time.