The two concepts most often encountered when translating documents to be submitted to official institutions are sworn translation and notarised translation. Although the two concepts have similar meanings, they produce different legal consequences. In this article we examine step by step the distinction between the two translation types and which one you will need in each situation.
What Is Sworn Translation?
Sworn translation is a certified translation produced by people who have taken an oath before a notary and obtained the title of sworn translator. The sworn translator pledges the accuracy of the translation with their signature, stamp and registration number. For this reason, a sworn translation is a translation in which the translator’s identity and responsibility are clearly identified on the document.
Sworn translation is most often needed in the following situations: visa applications, university registrations, marriage procedures, trade registry filings and documents to be submitted in court proceedings. Many institutions accept a document as sufficient when delivered with a sworn translator’s signature.
What Is Notarised Translation?
Notarised translation is the type of translation in which notarisation is added on top of the sworn translation. In this process the sworn translator carries out the translation and then the translation is taken to the notary. The notary verifies the authenticity of the translator’s signature and stamp and adds an official certification to the document.
The situations in which notarisation is required are usually more formal applications: documents to be used abroad, apostille procedures, consular applications, real estate transactions and some documents to be submitted to public authorities. Notarisation provides an additional layer of legal assurance for the document.
The Key Difference Between the Two
The most important difference between them is the authority from which the certification originates. In sworn translation the certification comes from the translator; in notarised translation the translator’s work is additionally certified by the notary. For this reason, notarised translation is a higher level of sworn translation.
In practice this can be summarised as follows: if your document is to be submitted to an official institution, sworn translation is usually enough. If it is to be used abroad or if the nature of the transaction requires additional assurance, notarised translation is required.
Which Should You Choose in Each Case?
- Sworn translation is sufficient: University applications, visa procedures, employment application documents, insurance documents
- Notarised translation is required: Apostille procedures, consular applications, title deed transactions, power of attorney translations, inheritance transfer procedures
If you are not sure about the document type or the institution to which it will be submitted, we recommend that you first ask the receiving institution what level of translation certification they require. This step prevents document returns later in the process.
Corpus Tercüme’s Approach
At Corpus Tercüme we provide both sworn and notarised translation services. From the moment we receive your document to the moment we deliver it, we manage the entire process on your behalf, completing the notarial procedures ourselves when needed. While completion time varies depending on the nature of the document, we resolve most requests within the same business day.