Sworn and State-certified translations

Two factors can help you determine the price of a sworn translation the nature of the document (number of words, etc.) and the target language. The price of a sworn translation varies according to the nature of the document and the languages involved. Indeed, some languages are rarer and therefore require a higher price than others. In general, sworn translations of common documents such as driving licenses or deeds such as marriage certificates etc. cost between €30 and €60 per page. Last but not least, this price also depends on the sworn translator; each translator sets his or her own price, so there's no such thing as a fixed price. However, at Translatorus we offer a fixed price of €30 per page. 

A sworn translator is a translator approved by a Court of Appeal. He or she is considered to be a judicial expert and a ministerial officer, and assists the judiciary and state administrations in their work. The sworn translator is responsible for translating official documents from a source language into the language of which he or she is an expert. Once the translation has been completed, the translator's stamp and signature, together with the words "conforms to the original", certify that the document has been translated by his or her expertise. The translation will then be considered accurate and admissible by the courts or public authorities, because it has been translated and certified by a legal expert.

There's no real difference, except in the way the two terms are used. It's the translator who is sworn and the translation that is certified. In other words, it's wrong to say "sworn translation", but rather "certified translation" by a "sworn translator".

The original document is not compulsory, but it is recommended. Most sworn translators only receive digital copies of the documents they translate, and the original is rarely used. It is therefore perfectly possible to send a scan of your document to the sworn translator, who will translate the document, print out the translation as well as the digital copy, stamp both and mention "conforms to the digital copy". All that remains is to present both documents to the authorities, along with the original document, so that the authorities can check that the stamped digital document is identical to the original.

No, you don't have to use a translator sworn by a Court of Appeal in your area. All sworn translators are recognized as legal experts. You can therefore call on a sworn translator from another region. The translation will be perfectly acceptable. In this case, you'll need to send a digital copy to the translator, who can then send you the translation by e-mail and a copy with his or her signature and original stamp by post.

A sworn translator is required for a number of documents, such as deeds, notarial deeds, bailiff's deeds, administrative deeds and any other document for which the original is not the official language of the institution to which the document is presented. If the document is to be presented to the prefecture, the town hall or a legal institution such as the courts, it must be translated and certified by an accredited translator, known as a "sworn translator". However, it's best to ask the relevant authority whether it requires a sworn translation of the document.

A sworn translator is a translator approved by a Court of Appeal. If you want to check that a translator is sworn, you can ask him or her which Court of Appeal has approved the translator. Then simply check the list of legal experts for the Court of Appeal in question, and see if the translator's name is listed under translation.

The legalization of a document is the act by which a document retains its legal value abroad. Without it, a document cannot be considered legal in a foreign country. That said, some countries have made agreements not to require legalization. That's why you need to check with the relevant authorities before placing your order with a sworn translator.