Everything to know about sworn translations: our guide
In France and in several countries, translations don´t just involve transposing words from one language to another. They can have legal importance, especially sworn translations, also known as official translations.
On this page, we are going to decrypt the world of specific translations that require specific expertise. We´ll start by defining exactly what is a sworn translation. Then we will explain the situations where you may require these specialized services. Additionally, we will deal with the issue of what translators are authorized to provide this service, and we will explain the rigorous certification process necessary to become a sworn translator in France. Finally, we will provide sound advice on how to select the right sworn translation agency for your documents.
Sworn translation or official translation: what are we talking about?
Understanding the specifics of sworn translations is essential for determining the type of service you need. So, what are we talking about exactly? To start, let´s analyze each of these concepts.
Sworn translations: a guarantee of quality and rigor
Sworn translations are carried out by sworn translators, also called authorized translators. In France, these professionals are certified by the court of appeals and registered on an official list. They therefore pledge an oath to provide true and correct translations and ensure a service quality recognized by the authorities.
Specifically, a sworn translation of a document includes the translator´s signature and stamp. It may also include a sworn declaration indicating that the translation is a true and correct copy of the original.
In other words, this is a process that requires in-depth knowledge of the source and target languages and legal, administrative and/or technical skills.
Official translations: recognized by the administration
Sworn translations have real legal weight. For example, authorities in France and abroad may require them for official documents.
In any case, these translations are provided by authorized translators who are certified by a certification body or a court (such as a court of appeals). This certification is essential to guarantee that the translated document is a true and correct representation of the original document so that said document may be legalized in France or abroad.
As you can imagine, official translations are an essential service for guaranteeing the legal validity of translated documents. It is thus necessary to hire the services of a serious and certified provider who can finish the translation you require.
When do you need a sworn or official translation?
There are many occasions when you may require a sworn translation. These services are essential in several situations: everything from legal affairs to administrative procedures. So, when exactly may they be required? Let´s see.
Sworn translations for administrative procedures
Sworn translations are often necessary during certain administrative procedures in France or abroad. Official documents such as birth certificates, degrees, employment contracts, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, wills and other legal documents must often be translated by a sworn translator to be recognized by the authorities.
In this case, the translator signs and stamps the translation, thus certifying that it is a true and correct copy of the original text. This procedure gives the translation legal weight which is essential for the translated document to be accepted by presiding authorities.
Sworn and official translations for legal procedures
In the legal field, sworn translations are usually required to guarantee the accuracy of translated documents. Case files, depositions, legal decisions, contracts and all legal documents may require an official translation.
For example, the court of appeals may require a sworn translation to ensure that it is an accurate representation of the original document. Sworn translators take an oath before a court of appeals which means that their translations will be accepted in the justice system.
Sworn and official translations for degree recognition
Finally, one of the common situations during which a sworn translation may be necessary involves the recognition of degrees obtained abroad. Whether you need to register in a university or apply for a job, foreign degrees and grade reports must be officially translated to be recognized in the destination country.
Considering this, translations must be provided by a certified or sworn translator to ensure the accuracy of the contents and respect the requirements of the university or employer.
Sworn translations for private companies, public companies and associations
Private and public companies, and even associations, may require sworn translations. Thanks to globalization, companies operate worldwidemore and more and for this reason often need to have official documents translated and legalized.
For example, sworn translations may be required in international partnerships when contracts or agreements are signed between two companies in different companies. This procedure guarantees that all the involved parties understand the contract´s contents, which ensures that the agreement is legally valid.
However, sworn translations can also play a role in business documents such as:
- statutes;
- balance sheets;
- annual reports;
- patents;
- meeting minutes;
Finally, associations, in particular those who operate internationally, may require sworn translations. For example, this may involve a French company opening a branch abroad, which implies translating statutes or other official documents to be recognized by the authorities in the destination country.
In other words, sworn translations are a critical service for administrative, legal and academic procedures. Hiring the services of a sworn or certified translator is essential to guarantee the legal weight of a translation and facilitate procedures in France or abroad.
Who can provide sworn or certified translations?
It goes without saying. Not all translators can provide sworn or certified translations. They must meet certain conditions and obtain official recognition of their skills to provide specific translations. But what are the criteria for becoming a sworn or certified translator?
Sworn translators in France
In France, to be recognized as a sworn translator, you have to swear an oath before a court of appeals. This allows translators to become state-recognized legal experts in translations. Sworn translators are then registered on a list of legal experts also established by the court of appeals.
To swear an oath, translators must demonstrate experience and extremely specific skills in the translation field. They must also prove their fluency in their working languages.
Certified translators in other countries
Although they may also have a role to play in the translation of certain documents to be used in France, translators in other countries aren´t necessarily subject to the same certification process. In fact, the certification process can be completely different.
For example, in the United States, there are no sworn translators. The translation profession is not really regulated, and no validation of professional qualifications is required. However, there are specific organizations, starting with the American Translators Association (ATA) which, in addition to a qualification, are considered a guarantee of professionalism.
In summary, you need to be vigilant when requesting the services of a foreign translator.
Certified translation agencies
In France, there are a certain number of translation agencies that employ sworn translators. These companies guarantee quality and rigor in their translations by following a rigorous process for hiring their translators and verifying their translations.
In any case, keep in mind that, for a translation to be considered sworn, it must have been provided by a translator who has taken in oath in a French court. This is essential for those who require this service so that the documents are considered valid.
How to choose a sworn or official translation service?
Choosing a sworn translation service should not be taken lightly. A poorly translated document can have severe (especially legal) consequences. It is therefore essential to choose your translation service well. Let´s examine the criteria to consider when selecting a sworn translation service.
The translator or agency´s expertise
First, verify the expertise of your potential translator or agency. This includes experience with sworn translations and knowledge of the two languages involved – the source language and the target language. In France, for example, sworn translators are legal translation experts recognized by the state and registered on a list maintained by the court of appeals.
The translator´s certification
Certification is also an important factor to consider. If, for example, you require an official translation for a legal procedure in the United States, make sure to choose a translator certified by the American Translators Association (ATA). Likewise, if you work with a translation agency, make sure that they employ rigorous processes for hiring translators and verifying translations.
Client references and opinions
Client references and opinions may be useful in choosing a translation service. If the translator or agency has a good reputation and several positive reviews, it generally means that they are reliable and provide quality translations.
Delivery time and cost
Finally, consider delivery times and costs because a good translation service must be able to provide you a quality translation within the agreed-to timeframe at a reasonable cost considering market rates in the field.
In conclusion, you know that sworn translations can play a vital role in several areas. Whether they be for legal, academic, administrative or professional procedures, sworn translations may be essential to guarantee a document´s accuracy and legal weight. Thus, it is important to understand that this is not a simple transposition of a text from one language to another. Rather, it´s a meticulous process conducted by an expert translator capable of guaranteeing the legal equivalence between the original document and its translation.
