A sworn translation is an official translation that is certified by the translator through an act of sworn before a public official. This process consists of a formal oath confirming the veracity and accuracy of the translation compared to the original document.
The full file includes:
Since the document is issued by a judicial body, the sworn translation has legal value. It is usually required for documents such as public certificates, academic documents, legal contracts, and corporate deeds to ensure compliance with the original text.
The swearing service may be subject to stamp duty or registration fees, with a value that varies by court. Usually, in Italian courts, a stamp duty of 16 € is levied for every 4 pages of translation.
When a translated document or an Italian document is to be used abroad, authentication or apostille may also be required to ensure its international validity.
The apostille is an official stamp that certifies the legality of a public document (including a translated document) and the signature of the public official who authenticated the translation. For the countries which are members of the 1961 Hague Convention, the apostille replaces the traditional consular legalisation, simplifying the process.
In the case of sworn translations, the apostille shall be used to authenticate the signature of the Chancellor who stamped the sworn minutes.
For those countries that have signed the Hague Convention, the apostille is necessary to certify the legal validity of documents that are to be used abroad. Some countries may also require authentication at the consulate to complete the procedure, but for many others the apostille is sufficient, making the document legally recognised without the need to go through the consulate.
The list of countries which have ratified the Hague Convention includes Albania, Australia, Germany, United States, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and many others. For these countries, the apostille replaces ordinary authentication.
In the case of documents from countries which are not signatories to the Convention, authentication must be carried out through the consulate or the designated body in the country of origin of the document.
At NLS, we offer an accurate sworn translation and apostille procedure to make your documents legally valid in foreign countries. Our sworn translators are accredited and operate in accordance with legal regulations, ensuring a fast and sure service.
Do you need a sworn translation or an apostille? Contact us for a free quote. We take care of everything from translation to legalization to make your document ready for use abroad.
