Understand the characteristics of sworn or certified translations

With globalization ongoing, official documents need to be translated and certified to cross borders. In this respect, it is often necessary to obtain a sworn translation which is a type of translation recognized by administrative and legal authorities in France and abroad. This implies a service that goes beyond a simple translation since it requires expertise from a certain type of translator that is certified by a court of appeals to guarantee that the translation faithfully reflects the original document.

But what does this super specific type of translation imply? What is its role and importance in our society? To help you better understand the ins and outs of this specialty, let´s review everything you need to know about sworn or certified translations.

Sworn translation: definition and principles

Analyzing sworn translations requires a precise understanding of what they imply, their legal foundation and how they are different from other types of translations.

A detailed definition of sworn translations

First, it´s important to understand that sworn translations, also known as certified translations, are translations of official documents done by sworn experts, meaning that they are recognized by a court of appeals. These translators swear an oath before a court and commit to faithfully and wholly translate documents provided to them. They also sign and stamp their translations to certify that they are an accurate reflection of the source document.

This procedure helps give translations legal weight which means they can be used before administrative and legal authorities. Note that sworn translations can be provided for several types of documents such as birth certificates, diplomas, contracts or notary certificates.

The fundamental principles which govern sworn translations

Sworn translations depend on two fundamental principles: accuracy and authenticity. Accuracy refers to the how faithfully the translation reflects the original document, whereas authenticity is guaranteed by a sworn translator´s certification which includes his or her signature and seal.

Obviously, sworn translators must master the source and target languages, in addition to understanding the legal context of the documents to be translated. Their role goes beyond that of a simple translator: they are field legal experts.

For these reasons, sworn translations are recognized by the French and international authorities and justice systems. That makes their services essential for having documents officially recognized abroad.

Sworn translators: recognized expertise

Sworn translators are much more than individuals who became translators just thanks to being fluent in another language. Their role, education and certifications are determining factors when producing high-quality sworn translations.

What makes a translator a “sworn translator”?

As we have seen, sworn translators are professionals who have sworn an oath before a court of appeals, certifying that they will faithfully and wholly translate all documents confided to them. This oath gives them the right to sign their translations and place their seal on them, giving them real legal weight. Of course, this official recognition distinguishes them from other translators: they are legal translation experts who can produce certified translations for official use in France or abroad.

The importance of a sworn translator´s role

Sworn translators have a crucial role. They aren´t just fluent in their working languages; they also need to understand all the legal aspects of the document to be translated. They play a key role in official document legalization by making texts understandable and giving them legal weight in another language.

Also, sworn translators are responsible for verifying the translation´s accuracy and the copy´s authenticity by signing and stamping the translation. Therefore, by guaranteeing the legal compliance of translated documents, a sworn translator´s work facilitates international exchange for companies, authorities and individuals.

Why and when do you need a sworn translation?

Sworn translations play a crucial role in several practical situations. Whether you need to deal with international administrations, start a company abroad or study in another language, sworn translations may be essential.

Everyday situations where you´ll need a sworn translation

Whether you want to study abroad, start a company in another country or immigrate and gain citizenship in another country, sworn translations have many applications.

Studying abroad

A student who wants to study abroad will often be asked to provide sworn translations of educational documents such as degrees or transcripts.

Starting a company abroad

When a French company wants to open a branch abroad, it usually needs to provide lots of official documents, especially articles of incorporation, statutes, balance sheets, etc. These documents must therefore be translated accurately and must be certified to be accepted by local authorities.

Immigration and citizenship

Someone who is immigrating or applying for citizenship in another country may be required to provide sworn translations of personal documents such as birth, marriage or divorce certificates or criminal records.

Legal procedures

During an international legal procedure, a sworn translation of legal documents may be essential. For example, evidence files or a foreign ruling need to be accurately translated and certified to be recognized by the court handling the file.

Sworn translations: a future issue

In the digital age, sworn translations have adapted and evolved. Digital solutions are starting to appear to simplify and accelerate the certified translation process. However, this doesn’t preclude the need for human experts for accurate and certified translations; it only facilitates the administrative process for obtaining said translation. Therefore, it´s a major issue for the future of sworn translations.

Difference between sworn and non-sworn translations

Not all translations are equal. Even if they all require language expertise, the main difference between sworn and non-sworn translations has to do with the final document´s objective and use. Let´s dive into these differences.

Legal validity

The first major difference between sworn and non-sworn translations obviously is their legal validity. A sworn translation is certified by a sworn translator and recognized by legal authorities. It therefore has legal weight and can be used in legal procedures in France or abroad.

The translation process

In non-sworn translations, translators concentrate on the message of the original document and strive to accurately transmit said message in the target language. In sworn translations, on the other hand, translators must make a thorough copy of the original document, including all details such as stamps, signatures and annotations.

Cost and delivery time

The certification process for a sworn translation involves additional steps which obviously impacts costs and delivery times. A sworn translation can therefore be slightly more expensive than other types of translations and require more time than non-certified translations.

Area of application

As we´ve seen above, sworn translations are generally necessary for official documents such as birth certificates, degrees, contracts, legal documents, etc. Non-sworn translations, on the other hand, are usually used for business documents, marketing, literature, websites, etc.