A sworn translation into English is required when you need to submit legal or official documents abroad. It’s not just about converting the language — this type of translation has legal validity because it bears the signature and official stamp of a certified sworn translator.
For example, if you plan to study, work or live in a foreign country, you’ll likely need to present documents translated into English — and in many cases, they must be sworn translations.
What does a sworn translation do?
A sworn translation not only translates the content. It also certifies that the translation is complete and accurate. It is signed and stamped by a sworn translator who has been authorised by an official body.
This certification makes the document valid for submission to universities, government offices, courts, embassies and other institutions.
What happens if you don’t use a sworn translation?
Using an unofficial translation can cause serious problems. Even if the translator has a good command of English, the translation has no legal value unless it’s sworn. For this reason, many authorities will reject it outright.
Therefore, even a small mistake can change the meaning of a document entirely. The examples below show how important it is to use a professional sworn translation.
Example 1: Birth certificate
Original (in Spanish):
Nacido el 12 de marzo de 1992 en Ciudad de México. Hijo de Carlos Méndez y Laura Gutiérrez.
Non-professional translation:
Born on March 12th, 1992 in Mexico City. Son of Carlos Méndez and Laura Gutiérrez.
Sworn (professional) translation:
Born on 12 March 1992 in Mexico City, Mexico. Son of Mr Carlos Méndez and Mrs Laura Gutiérrez.
Key differences:
Firstly, the date format follows British standards, which are preferred for official purposes. Then, the country (Mexico) is included, which is important in international documents. On the other hand, some authorities require formal titles (“Mr”, “Mrs”). Finally, name accuracy and proper formatting help avoid rejections.
Example 2: Academic certificate
Original (in Spanish):
Promedio general: 8.9. El alumno completó sus estudios en julio de 2018.
Non-professional translation:
General average: 8.9. The student finished his studies in July 2018.
Sworn (professional) translation:
Final GPA: 8.9 out of 10. The student successfully completed his studies in July 2018.
Key differences:
In brief, some differences are that 8.9 is clarified as being “out of 10”, since different countries use different scales. On the other hand, “Successfully” highlights that the student completed the programme. Finally, “GPA” is the correct term in English-speaking academic contexts — not “average”.
Which documents usually require sworn translation into English?
Some documents require commonly a sworn translation from English, for example:
- Birth, marriage or death certificates
- School or university diplomas and transcripts
- Notarial or court documents
- Legal agreements, contracts or powers of attorney
- Medical reports or criminal background checks
- Visa applications or immigration procedures
In conclusion, you can verify that in these official documents, accuracy and correct formatting are crucial.
Why use a sworn translator?
A sworn translator ensures that your document meets all the necessary legal and formal requirements. First and foremost, it holds legal validity, and official institutions will recognise it. Moreover, the translation remains faithful to the original content, and preserves the meaning and intent. In addition, it is free from errors that otherwise causes misunderstandings or delays. It also adheres to official formatting standards, which many authorities require. As a result, the relevant institutions more likely will accept your document without issue.
Choosing a non-professional translator may lead to delays, extra costs or missed opportunities.
Conclusion
A sworn translation into English is not just a language version. It is a legally valid document that must meet strict standards of accuracy and format.
If you need to translate official documents, don’t take risks. Work with a certified sworn translator to make sure your documents are correct, complete and legally recognised — wherever you need to present them.
