What is a sworn translator?

A sworn translator is a professional approved by a Court of Appeal or the Court of Cassation. He or she is recognized as a judicial expert and ministerial officer, and assists the courts and government agencies in their work by translating official documents from a source language to the one he or she masters. Once the translation has been completed, he or she stamps and signs it, along with the words "conforms to the original", to guarantee its reliability. The translation is then considered valid and admissible by the courts or public authorities, since it has been produced by a certified legal expert.

What's the difference between "sworn" and "certified"?

There is no fundamental difference between the two terms, only a difference in usage. It is the translator who is approved by a Court of Appeal or the Court of Cassation, and the translation that is certified. It is therefore incorrect to say "sworn translation"; it is preferable to say "certified translation" by a "sworn translator".

Is the original document required for a sworn translation?

It is not necessary to provide the original, but it is preferable to do so. Sworn translators often only receive digital versions of documents to be translated, and the original is not always necessary. It is therefore possible to send a digital copy of the document to the sworn translator. The translator will then translate the document, print out the translation and a digital copy, and stamp both versions. All you have to do is present both documents to the authorities, along with the original, to check that the certified digital copy corresponds to the original.

Does the sworn translator have to be from my region?

No, it is not necessary to use a translator certified by a specific court of appeal. Court-of-appeal-certified translators are considered judicial experts and are recognized throughout the country. For example, a translator certified by the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal can translate a document for submission to the Paris Prefecture, and the translation will be considered valid. All you need to do is provide a digital copy of the document to be translated, and the translator can send you the translation by e-mail, as well as a signed and stamped copy by post.

How do I know if my translation needs to be sworn?

A sworn translator is required for certain types of document, such as legal proceedings, notarial deeds, bailiff's deeds, administrative deeds and any other document whose original language is not that used by 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. It is advisable to check with the relevant administration whether a certified translation is required for the document in question.

How do I know if a translator is sworn?

A sworn translator is a state-approved translator. To check whether a translator is accredited, you can ask him or her by which court of appeal he or she is accredited. You could then check the list of court-appointed experts for that court of appeal, and see if his or her name appears in the translation section.

What is legalization?

Document legalization is the process of maintaining the legal validity of a document abroad. Without it, a document cannot be considered legally valid in a foreign country.

How do I legalize a document?

There are two methods for legalizing a document: the classic procedure and the simplified procedure. If you choose the classic procedure, you must first submit your document to your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then once legalized, submit the document to the embassy or consulate of the country concerned for a second legalization. However, if you opt for the simplified procedure, simply go to your local Court of Appeal and submit the document to the Apostille Service. Please note, however, that this simplified procedure is only valid for countries that have signed the Apostille Convention.

Can a sworn translator legalize a document?

Yes, a sworn translator can legalize a document by taking the necessary steps at a town hall or notary's office on your behalf. After producing, certifying and signing the translation of the document with his or her stamp, the translator can legalize his or her signature at a town hall using the simplified legalization procedure, such as affixing an apostille.

Why should a sworn translation be legalized?

The presence of a sworn translator's signature and stamp gives the translation official status, but this recognition is only valid within the territory concerned. For a translation of a document to be recognized as valid in another country, it must be legalized so that it also has official status abroad.

How much does a sworn translation cost?

There are two key elements that can influence the cost of a sworn translation: the content of the document (number of words, etc.) and the target language. The price of a sworn translation varies according to these factors, as some languages are rarer and therefore more expensive than others. In general, sworn translations of common documents such as driving licenses or marriage certificates cost between €30 and €60 per page, or between €0.10 and €0.30 per word. It is important to note that each sworn translator sets his or her own rate, so there is no fixed price.

How much does a professional translation cost?

As with sworn translations, there is no fixed rate for professional translations. The cost depends on the type of document to be translated, and is generally lower than for a sworn translation. Generally speaking, the rate is between €0.05 and €0.10 per word, or between €10 and €25 per page.

Are prices fixed?

Rates are not precise. Costs vary according to the type of document to be translated. For example, for certified translations of common documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, divorce certificates, marriage certificates, driving licenses or criminal records, the price is usually calculated according to the number of pages. Once you have submitted your request, an agent will contact you to inform you of the exact cost for your translation.

How is payment made?

Once you have selected the right price and placed your order, an agent will contact you by e-mail to inform you of the final cost of your order. If the price is accepted, a payment link will be sent to you to finalize the transaction. Once payment has been made, your translation will be completed within 3 to 5 working days.

What if my translation request is urgent?

Contact us using the contact form. Please note that an urgent request will incur an above-average charge. In general, you should expect to pay between €10 and €20 extra for a 24 to 48-hour turnaround. Alternatively, you can let the agent know and he'll get back to you after you've placed your order.

Are translations delivered by post?

Yes, translations are delivered to your door! The scanned copy of your translation will be emailed to you, and on request, a copy of the translation with the original stamps can be sent to you by post.

What's the difference between a professional translation and a sworn translation?

A professional translation is not sworn by a court-approved translator. A sworn translation is one that has been completed, stamped and signed by a certified translator. In general, a translation must be sworn if it concerns legal or administrative documents. In all other cases, a professional translation will suffice.