On many occasions, when carrying out formalities abroad, you need to present officially translated documents. This is where sworn translations come into play, an essential service for validating documents in different languages with legal recognition. But what exactly does a sworn translation entail and in what situations do you need it? Throughout this article, we will explain in detail everything you need to know about this type of translation, its importance and how to obtain it.
What Is a Sworn Translation?
Sworn translations are those carried out by a certified translator recognised by an official body. The translator signs, stamps and certifies these translations, which guarantees that they are true to the original document. Unlike ordinary translation, the sworn version has official status and, therefore, governmental, academic and judicial institutions in different countries accepts it.
Each country has its own regulations on who can provide sworn translations. In some cases, translators must be registered with a ministry or official association, while in others, the courts or public bodies appoint these professionals.
When Do You Need a Sworn Translation?
There are many situations in which you need a sworn translation for a document to be legally valid in another language. Some of the most common include:
1. Immigration and Citizenship Procedures
When someone applies for a visa, residence permit or nationality in another country, they usually have to present translated official documents. These may include birth certificates, criminal records, passports or proof of marital status.
2. Studying Abroad
Universities and educational institutions often require certified translations of diplomas, degrees, transcripts and letters of recommendation in order to admit international students. This ensures that the host country recognises the documents without legal or administrative problems.
3. Legal and Notarial Documents
Contracts, wills, powers of attorney and other legal documents must be officially translated when they are used in judicial or administrative proceedings in another country. A sworn translation ensures that the content remains true to the original and is valid before courts and authorities.
4. Official Certificates and Civil Registers
Birth, marriage, divorce or death certificates require a sworn translation for recognition abroad. This type of document is often necessary in cases of international marriages, adoptions or inheritances.
5. Business and Commercial Processes
Companies operating in international markets need sworn translations of documents such as articles of incorporation, business licenses, financial reports and export/import contracts. This allows them to comply with the legal requirements in each country where they operate.
6. Legal Proceedings
When a legal case involves parties who speak different languages, sworn translation of lawsuits, judgments, court decisions and documentary evidence is required. This ensures that everyone involved understands the content without misinterpretation.
What Is the Difference Between a Sworn Translation and a Simple Translation?
Although both convert a document from one language to another, there are key differences between a sworn translation and a simple translation:
- Legal validity: A sworn translation has official status and, therefore, public bodies recognise it, whereas a simple translation does not have this certification.
- Signature and stamp of the translator: The sworn translation is certified with the signature and stamp of an authorised translator.
- Use: While simple translations can be used for personal understanding or informal communications, sworn translations are obligatory for official procedures.
How Do I Get a Sworn Translation?
Si necesitas una traducción jurada, el proceso suele seguir estos pasos:
- Check with the receiving institution: Before ordering the translation, check the specific requirements of the institution that will receive it.
- Choose a certified sworn translator: It is important to make sure that the relevant body in the target country has authorised the professional.
- Provide the original document: Some institutions require a certified copy of the original document for the translation to be valid.
- Revision and certification: The sworn translator will be responsible for translating the document accurately, signing and stamping it.
- Delivery and legalisation (if necessary): In some cases, other countries require that a document includes an apostille or additional legalisation to accept it.
Conclusion
Sworn translations are an essential tool in many legal, academic and administrative contexts. They guarantee that a document maintains its validity and authenticity in another language, avoiding legal problems and ensuring that the institutions accept the procedures without any inconvenience.
If you need a sworn translation, it is advisable to use an experienced, authorised translator, thus ensuring the accuracy and validity of the translated document. This service is key to facilitating international processes, which allows your documents to be valid anywhere in the world. For more information, you can contact us here.
