Certified / notarised / sworn / legalised (apostille)

A translation can be certified, notarised, sworn or legalised. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, but this is incorrect. The type of ‘official’ translation required depends on the type of document and the country where it is to be used. In most civil law countries, including Spain, France, Italy and Germany, translations can be either sworn or legalised.

A sworn translation is required when the translated document requires legal validation for submitting to public authorities or bidding in international tenders. The oath formula is added at the end of the translation, which is stapled to the original, and the translator signs it before the court registrar. 

 Revenue stamps must be affixed to sworn translations, normally one €16.00 stamp for each sheet of foolscap (4 sides). 

 If the translation is to be valid abroad, it also needs to be legalised, by adding an apostil for countries that have signed The Hague Convention or another stamp for non-signatories.