Sworn translations are official translations that hold legal validity before private and public entities. Certified translators perform these translations to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
What Do Sworn Translators Do and Why Are They Important?
Certified translators officially certify these translated documents. The difference from other translations is that these carry the signature and seal of a certified translator, making them legally valid. Furthermore, these translations must retain the original content without alterations and faithfully reflect the message of the source document.
Government entities, such as Ministries of Justice or official translator associations, appoint sworn translators in many countries. Their certification provides legal validity to the translated documents, ensuring their acceptance in official procedures.
Government authorities in many countries select these specialized translators. Their certification is what grants legal validity to the translated documents.
When Do You Need Sworn Translations?
You need certified translations when you must present a document to an official entity in a language different from the original. Some common cases in which certified translations are needed include:
- Immigration and foreign affairs procedures often require sworn translations of birth certificates, criminal records, and passports for visa applications, residence permits, or nationality requests.
- Academic processes: Universities and educational institutions require certified translations of diplomas, degrees, transcripts, and admission letters.
- Legal and notarial documents often need certified translations of deeds, wills, and powers of attorney to be valid in other countries.
- Judicial processes: For recognition in international courts, judgments, lawsuits, and other legal documents must be officially translated.
- Medical documents: When presented to foreign institutions, documents such as clinical reports or medical certificates may require certified translations.
- International business: Companies signing agreements or setting up branches abroad may need contracts and statutes translated officially.
What Do Sworn Translations Do?
Certified translations aim to ensure the legal acceptance of a document in another country or institution. Thanks to the certification by the sworn translator, the translated document holds the same validity as the original.
Some of the key advantages of certified translations include:
- Official recognition: You can present documents translated by a sworn translator to any entity requiring official certification.
- Guaranteed accuracy: The translation is accurate and conforms to the original document.
- Avoiding rejections or delays in procedures: Submitting a certified translation helps avoid issues in legal or administrative processes.
- Use in multiple sectors: Certified translations are essential in various sectors, from academia to business and government, for international procedures.
Where to Get Certified Translations?
Those needing this type of translation should consult a certified sworn translator. Depending on the country, these professionals may register with official bodies such as Ministries of Justice or translator associations. You can also hire specialized translation agencies that offer this service quickly and with quality guarantees.
Requirements by Country
Each country has its own regulations regarding certified translations. For example:
- Spain: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appoints sworn translators.
- Mexico requires an expert translator authorized by the Superior Court of Justice.
- Argentina: A registered public translator from a translation association must perform the translation.
- United States: There is no centralized system, but some institutions require certified translations.
Common Mistakes When Requesting a Certified Translation
To avoid problems, keep in mind these common errors:
- Check if you really need a certified translation: Some institutions accept certified translations instead of sworn ones.
- Don’t choose an uncertified translator: Only sworn translators can perform translations with legal validity.
- Check the recipient institution’s requirements: Some institutions may request apostilles or additional legalizations.
- Don’t request the translation last minute: The process can take several days, so plan ahead.
To better understand legal terms and documents that require official translation, you can refer to this glossary of legal terms.
Conclusion
Certified translations are essential for legal, academic, medical, and business procedures where official validation of documents in another language is required. Their certification by a sworn translator makes them valid and recognized by international organizations. If you need a certified translation, make sure to consult an authorized professional to avoid any issues in your procedures.
If you are looking for a reliable certified translation service, contact a specialized agency or a recognized sworn translator to ensure a secure and hassle-free process.
