Certified Translator

Are you looking for an accredited translator for a certified translation of your document, such as for an immigration, civil, legal or academic application?Visit TranslatorusWe provide you with qualified translators who are sworn by their local court of appeal. We offer a fast service, competitive rates and excellent customer service.

Our certified translations are accepted by institutions such as the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, registry offices, OFII, universities, banks, local authorities and courts. Document formats accepted: PDF, JPG, PNG and Word.

We offer translation services in over 46 languages to hundreds of individuals and businesses every day.

TRANSLATION

Sworn and certified
30 per page
  • Sworn and certified
  • Certified Translator
  • Official translation
  • Stamped and Stamped
  • 24-hour emergency
  • Postal delivery
Popular

What our customers think...

Bernie
Read More
"Fast, friendly and efficient. They were able to get back to me in a very short space of time on 31 December itself."
Manel Harakati
Read More
"I am very satisfied Very fast, very efficient, contactable, well done !!!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽"
Raphael Colsenet
Read More
"Service as expected and reasonably priced."
Vezo Benvinda
Read More
"I am very pleased with the quality of the work and the speed with which the translation was delivered, the translation was sent to me two days before the date..."
ABDERRAHIM
Read More
"Respect of commitments and deadlines with a follow-up of your request in complete security..."
ALICIA P.
Read More
"Great! Very easy and smooth document submission, clear and straightforward pricing. Very quick dispatch of the document. I would recommend and will use them again if necessary."
MLS
Read More
"The customer service is exceptional. Even on Sundays on the Whats App, it's impressive. The translation was done accurately and quickly. My second order has just been sent :)."
MINA
Read More
"Very efficient, 1 slightest problem or question, we get an immediate response, and we can be contacted, which is reassuring...Thank you for your attention, for the work you do👍"
Florence Etrillard
Read More
"Fast, efficient and above all attentive whenever we have a question to ask. Thank you"
Koriche
Read More
"... They didn't hesitate for a second to send me another courier, at my request. So I highly recommend 💪"
Margarida Joao Miranda
Read More
"It's a very serious company, very professional, the processing and delivery times are well respected. The translation is of good quality. I would recommend them.
M.S.
Read More
"Efficiency, speed, quality. A quality welcome that takes your situation into account. Efficient, high-quality translation with notes to avoid ambiguities. Translation obtained in a few hours. Thank you"

The key role of the accredited translator

In a world where international exchanges are increasingly frequent, the need to overcome language barriers is becoming essential. Whether in business, immigration, education or justice, individuals and organisations often need to translate official documents from one language to another. This is where certified translatorA certified translator is a professional whose skills are not only recognised, but also certified to guarantee the legal validity of the documents translated. But what exactly is a certified translator? What are their functions and qualifications, and in what contexts are their services required? This article will explore these questions and many more to give you a full understanding of this key profession in the field of official translation.

What is an accredited translator?

A certified translator is a professional translator recognised and certified by a competent authority to carry out official and legal translations of documents. This status gives his translations legal value, which means that they can be accepted by government institutions, courts, universities, immigration agencies and other official bodies.

The concept of an accredited translator varies from country to country and from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In most countries, it is more commonly referred to as a sworn translatorHowever, in other countries, particularly in the English-speaking world, the term "approved" refers to certification or accreditation issued by professional bodies such as translators' associations or courts.

Accredited translators don't just translate general texts; they specialise in official documents such as birth certificates, contracts, diplomas, court documents and much more. Thanks to their accreditation, their translations are automatically recognised as valid and authentic, and they accept professional responsibility for the quality and accuracy of their work.

Differences between accredited translators and traditional translators

The main difference between a certified translator and a traditional translator lies in the former's legal recognition and professional responsibility. While any translator can technically provide a translation, only a certified translator can deliver a translation that will have legal validity and be accepted by the official authorities.

1. Legal recognition

A traditional translator can carry out translations in various fields, such as marketing, literature or technical communication. However, these translations, although they may be of high quality, have no legal value. If an official translation is required (for example, for a birth certificate when applying for a visa), an approved translation will be required.

2. Professional liability

Approved translators accept professional responsibility for their translations. As such, they must ensure a faithful and accurate translation of the original. Any error, omission or inaccuracy in the translation may have serious legal or administrative consequences. A conventional translator, on the other hand, although responsible for the quality of his work, is not subject to the same legal obligation.

3. Specialisation

Certified translators often specialise in specific fields, such as law, administration or legal affairs. They need to know the exact terminology in both languages, as well as the intricacies of the legal or administrative systems involved. A standard translator, on the other hand, may specialise in sectors that are less sensitive in terms of legal implications, such as literary translation or website localisation.

How do I become a certified translator?

Becoming a certified translator is a process that requires both advanced language skills and official recognition by a competent authority. The requirements vary from country to country, but the main stages are generally similar.

1. Training and qualifications

The first step in becoming a certified translator is to obtain appropriate training in translation. This may involve university studies in translation, foreign languages or a related field such as law. Degrees in translation are often required. Translators must prove their expertise before they are eligible for accreditation.

In addition, in some countries it may be necessary to have specialist qualifications in a particular field, such as law, business or medicine. These additional qualifications are important for accredited translators who work mainly with technical or legal documents.

2. Professional experience

Before you can claim the title of certified translator, you often need to have significant professional experience in translation. This experience enables you not only to develop linguistic and technical skills, but also to understand the specific requirements of legal and official translations.

Translators wishing to become accredited are often required to provide evidence of their experience, such as a portfolio of translation work or recommendations from clients or employers. This prior experience helps to establish the translator's credibility with the accrediting authorities.

3. Approval procedure

The accreditation procedure varies considerably from country to country. In most countries, translators have to take an oath before a court of appeal in order to become certified. sworn translators. This process involves verification of the translator's qualifications and experience, as well as a formal commitment to provide faithful and accurate translations. Once sworn in, the translator is entered on an official list of sworn translators, which is regularly consulted by public and private authorities.

In other countries, accreditation may be issued by recognised professional associations, such as theAmerican Translators Association (ATA) in the United States or theInstitute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) in the UK. These bodies often impose certification examinations and competency tests before issuing approval.

The responsibilities of an accredited translator

The work of a certified translator goes far beyond simply translating texts. Because their translations are used in legal and administrative contexts, their responsibilities are broader and more rigorous.

1. Accuracy and reliability

Approved translators must guarantee that their translations are exact and faithful to the original. Unlike a traditional translator who can sometimes adapt a text to suit a specific context or audience, a certified translator must ensure that the meaning, terminology and intention of the original document are fully respected.

In court cases, for example, an incorrect translation of a legal term can have serious consequences for the parties involved. An incorrect translation can lead to a misinterpretation of a judgement or evidence, and affect the outcome of a case. This is why a certified translator must be extremely diligent in translating every word.

2. Confidentiality

Certified translators often work with confidential documents, such as medical records, commercial contracts or court documents. They are therefore subject to a strict obligation of confidentiality. Any disclosure of sensitive information may not only harm the interests of their clients, but may also result in legal or administrative sanctions.

Respecting confidentiality is all the more crucial in legal or commercial cases where the translated documents may contain critical information, such as business strategies or personal testimonies. Accredited translators must therefore implement strict measures to protect the information they handle.

3. Signature and certification

One of the special features of a certified translator is that they must certify translations. This means that they must affix their signature and sometimes an official stamp or seal to the translated documents to certify their authenticity. This signature commits the translator to professional responsibility and guarantees that the translation conforms to the original.

In some countries, this certification must be accompanied by an official statement that the translation is a faithful representation of the original document. This certification process gives the translation a legal valueThis means it can be used in administrative or judicial contexts.

The areas of activity of the accredited translator

The services of a certified translator are required in many sectors where legal or certified translations are needed. Here are a few examples of the main areas in which this professional is involved.

1. Court cases

Certified translators play a crucial role in court cases. Courts may require certified translations of documents such as contracts, testimonies, judgements and written evidence. Whether in civil, criminal or commercial cases, accurate translations of these documents are essential to ensure fair proceedings.

In addition, in cases involving international parties, the courts often require accredited translators to translate official documents from a foreign country. These translations must be carried out with the utmost rigour, as they will be subject to close scrutiny by judges and lawyers.

2. Immigration and naturalisation

Accredited translation services are often required for immigration and naturalisation procedures. Governments and immigration agencies generally require personal documents such as birth certificates, passports, diplomas or marriage certificates to be translated by a certified translator.

These translations enable the authorities to assess the validity of documents submitted by visa or naturalisation applicants. Without an approved translation, documents may be rejected, which can lead to delays in processing immigration applications.

3. Education and recognition of qualifications

When foreign students or professionals wish to study or work in another country, they are often required to provide certified translations of their diplomas, transcripts and certificates. Educational institutions and employers require certified translations to ensure that foreign qualifications meet local standards.

In this context, the role of the accredited translator is to ensure that the translation of academic documents is accurate and that the meaning of diplomas and qualifications is correctly conveyed.

4. Commercial affairs and international contracts

In international business transactions, it is essential to ensure that contracts and agreements are fully understood by all parties. An incorrect translation of a contractual clause can lead to misunderstandings or disputes, and even costly litigation. Companies therefore often use accredited translators to ensure that commercial contracts, licences, partnership agreements and financial documents are translated accurately.

In addition, in the case of commercial agreements involving several jurisdictions, approved translations are often required to ensure the legal validity of documents in each country concerned.

Tools and technologies for certified translators

The profession of certified translator, although traditional in essence, is evolving with the advance of technology. The tools of computer-assisted translation (CAT) and terminology databases enable translators to work more efficiently and guarantee the consistency of technical or legal terms.

1. Computer-assisted translation (CAT)

CAT software, such as SDL Trados or MemoQThese tools enable certified translators to manage complex translation projects by creating term databases, translation memories and specific glossaries. These tools help ensure the consistency of terms and expressions, especially in long, technical documents.

However, it is important to note that CAT tools do not replace human judgement. They assist the translator in his or her work, but it is always the certified translator who must check the quality, accuracy and legal validity of the final translation.

2. Specialised legal terminology

Accredited translators, particularly those working with legal documents, often need to use specialist databases to ensure the correct use of technical terms. These databases include legal lexicons, multilingual glossaries, or online resources provided by international bodies such as the European Union or the United Nations.

By using these tools, the certified translator can ensure that specific terms are translated correctly and consistently in all parts of the document.

Conclusion

The role of certified translator is essential in a globalised world where communication between countries and institutions relies on the accuracy and reliability of official documents. From justice to business, immigration to education, certified translation ensures that information is conveyed accurately and in a legally recognised manner.

Becoming a certified translator is a demanding career that requires both advanced linguistic skills and exemplary professional rigour. Accredited translators are responsible for ensuring that their translations are accurate, faithful and in line with legal expectations, and their expertise is often crucial to the success of administrative or legal proceedings.

In an increasingly globalised world, accredited translators will continue to play a key role in maintaining transparency, fairness and international cooperation.

Get in touch

contact approved translator

There are two factors that 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. Some languages are rarer and therefore cost more than others. In general, sworn translations of common documents such as driving licences or deeds such as marriage certificates, etc. cost between €30 and €60 per page. Finally, this price also depends on the sworn translator; each translator sets his or her own price, so there is no 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 government departments 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 indeed been translated by his or her expertise. The translation will then be considered accurate and admissible by the courts or the public authorities because it has been translated and certified by a legal expert.

There is no real difference except in the way the two terms are used. It is the translator who is sworn and the translation that is certified. In other words, it is 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; 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 and the digital copy, stamp both and mention "conforms to the digital copy". All that remains is for you to present the two 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, it is not compulsory to use a translator sworn by a Court of Appeal in your region. All sworn translators are recognised as legal experts. You can therefore call on a sworn translator from another region. The translation will be perfectly acceptable. In this case, you will need to send a digital copy to the translator, who will be able to send you the translation by e-mail and a copy with his or her signature and original stamp by post.

It is compulsory to use a sworn translator for a certain number of documents such as legal proceedings, notarial deeds, bailiff's deeds, administrative deeds and any other document where 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 approved translator, known as a "sworn translator". However, it is 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 all you have to do is check the list of legal experts for the Court of Appeal in question and check that the translator's name is listed under translation.

Legalisation of a document is the act by which a document retains its legal value abroad. It is therefore an essential procedure, without which a document cannot be considered legal in a foreign country. That said, some countries have made agreements and do not require legalisation. For this reason, you should check with the relevant authorities before placing your order with a sworn translator.