Question 1

What is a sworn (or certified) translation?

Accepted Answer

A sworn translation, also known as a certified or official translation, is much more than a simple transposition of text from one language to another. It is a legally valid document, produced by a professional translator who has taken an oath before a judicial body, such as a Court of Appeal in France. This oath engages their criminal and civil liability. Each page of the translation bears the translator's seal, signature, and a certification statement that the translation is 'true to the original'. This gives the translated document the same legal value as the source document, making it acceptable to administrations, courts, universities, and other official bodies, both in France and abroad.

Question 2

What is the fundamental difference between a simple translation and a sworn translation?

Accepted Answer

The difference is major and lies in the legal value and responsibility. A simple (or free) translation is for informational purposes and can be done by anyone who is fluent in both languages. It has no official value. In contrast, a sworn translation is an official act. The translator is not just a linguist, but an auxiliary ministerial officer of justice who engages their responsibility. The translation is inseparable from the original (a copy is stapled to the translation) and its certification guarantees its accuracy and completeness to the authorities. Using a simple translation for an official procedure will almost always result in the rejection of your file.

Question 3

Who is the 'expert translator at the Court of Appeal'?

Accepted Answer

The title of 'expert translator at the Court of Appeal' (or expert translator-interpreter) is the highest level of recognition for a translator in France. This is a professional appointed by the Ministry of Justice after a rigorous selection process including a background check and a thorough validation of their skills. Once appointed, they take an oath and are registered on an official list. This status gives them the right to perform 'sworn' translations. Using such an expert is the absolute guarantee that your translation will be recognized by all French authorities (town halls, prefectures, courts, notaries) and most foreign authorities.

Question 4

In what specific situations do I need an official translation?

Accepted Answer

The need for an official translation arises whenever you have to present a foreign document to a French authority, or a French document to a foreign authority. The cases are very varied: 
- **Immigration and Nationality:** Visa applications, residence permit applications, green card applications (for the USA, our translations comply with USCIS requirements), family reunification, nationality applications.
- **Civil Status:** Transcription of a foreign birth or marriage certificate, marriage application, divorce proceedings.
- **Studies and Work:** Enrollment in a foreign university (translation of diplomas, transcripts), recognition of professional qualifications, work permit applications.
- **Legal:** Notarial acts, judgments, wills, powers of attorney, for legal proceedings or real estate transactions.
- **Business:** Creation of a subsidiary, responding to international tenders, presentation of company statutes (Kbis), patent filing.

Question 5

How can I order a translation on your site?

Accepted Answer

We have simplified the process as much as possible to make it fast and transparent. Here are the steps: 
1. **Go to our order form.**
2. **Select your languages** (source and target language).
3. **Upload your documents** in digital format (scan or good quality photo).
4. **Indicate the number of pages** of your original document.
5. **Choose your options:** delivery time (standard or express) and delivery method (digital PDF, postal mail).
6. **Get an instant and detailed quote.** The price shown is final.
7. **Proceed to secure payment** by credit card. Once the payment is validated, your order is confirmed and handled by a competent translator.

Question 6

Do I need to send you my original documents by mail?

Accepted Answer

No, and this is a major advantage of our service. You do not need to part with your precious original documents. A very good quality digital copy (scan or high-resolution photo, in color, perfectly legible and without shadows) is sufficient for the translator to do their work. The certified translation will then be stapled to a printed copy of the document you provided. It is this set (copy of the original + translation) that constitutes the final official document.

Question 7

How is the price of a sworn translation calculated?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing is transparent and based on several clear factors: 
- **The number of pages** of the source document is the main criterion.
- **The language combination:** Some rarer languages may have a slightly higher rate.
- **The delivery time:** We offer a standard rate and an express rate for urgent needs.
- **The delivery method:** Digital delivery is included, postal delivery is an option. 
The order form automatically calculates the final price, with no hidden fees. The price includes the translation, certification by the translator (layout, seal, signature) and delivery according to the chosen option.

Question 8

How is the confidentiality of my documents guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

The security and confidentiality of your information are our top priority. All expert translators at the Court of Appeal are bound by professional secrecy by their oath. In addition, our platform uses SSL encryption (the padlock in your browser) to secure the upload of your files. We have strict data protection policies and we are committed to never sharing your information with unauthorized third parties. Your documents are treated with the utmost discretion from the beginning to the end of the process.

Question 9

What are the delivery times?

Accepted Answer

We adapt to your level of urgency. On the order form, you will have the choice between several deadline options: 
- **Standard:** This is the most economical option, usually a few working days depending on the size of the document.
- **Express / Urgent:** For urgent situations, we can process your order on a priority basis, often in 24 to 48 hours. 
The exact deadlines for each option are clearly indicated when ordering. These deadlines are for the completion of the translation and its availability in digital format (PDF).

Question 10

How will I receive my completed translation?

Accepted Answer

You will systematically receive your sworn translation by e-mail, as a high-resolution PDF file. This file contains the scan of the paper translation, duly signed and stamped, which is sufficient for most online procedures. If you need the original paper version (sometimes required by certain administrations), you can select the delivery option by tracked mail when ordering. We ship in France and internationally.

Question 11

What is an apostille and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An apostille is a simplified form of legalization used between countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention. It is a certificate that authenticates the signature and seal of the sworn translator on the document, in order to prove its validity abroad. You will need it if you have to present your translation to an authority in another member country of the Convention. The request for an apostille is made to the competent service of the Court of Appeal. This is a separate procedure from the translation itself. We can guide you through this process or handle it as an optional service.

Question 12

What is the validity period of a sworn translation?

Accepted Answer

In theory, a sworn translation does not have an expiration date. It remains a faithful transcription of the original document at a specific point in time. However, it is the validity of the original document that takes precedence. For example, a translation of a criminal record extract will only be valid as long as the original extract is (usually 3 months). Similarly, if the original document is updated, the translation is no longer valid. It is therefore recommended to check the specific requirements of the receiving administration, which may sometimes require a translation dated less than 6 months.

Sworn and Certified Translation Service

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Why choose our certified translation service?

Guaranteed Acceptance

Speed and Efficiency

Accredited Translators

Over 60 Languages

We translate all types of documents

Civil status certificates

Diplomas and transcripts

Legal documents

Commercial documents

Medical records

Immigration documents

A simple process in 4 steps

1. Submit your documents

2. Quote and Payment

3. Translation by an expert

4. Receive your translation

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions about Sworn Translation

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