Which translation certification do you need? A country guide

The same birth certificate can need a different kind of translation depending on where it is going. One country is happy with a signed statement from a qualified translator. The next wants a translator who was sworn in by its own courts. That is why the first question is always where the document will be used.

Below is a short overview for 13 countries. It describes what is usually expected, not what every office requires. The receiving authority decides, so treat this as a starting point and confirm with them before you order.

Countries that usually accept a standard certified translation

In these countries, a translation with a signed statement of accuracy is often what offices ask for.

• United Kingdom: the translator or agency signs a statement of accuracy with their full name, contact details and the date. The translator does not need to be sworn. Typical receivers are the Home Office (UKVI), courts, universities and employers.
• United States: USCIS asks for a signed statement that the translator is competent in both languages and that the translation is complete and accurate. No accreditation is required.
• Ireland: a standard certified translation. Typical receivers are the immigration service, courts and universities.

Countries that usually ask for a sworn translation

Here the translator's title matters. The translation is usually made by someone sworn in or appointed by a court or authority of that country.

• Germany: a translator sworn in or appointed by a German court (beeidigter Übersetzer). Their translations are recognised across all federal states.
• France: a traducteur assermenté, sworn in by a French Court of Appeal.
• Spain: a traductor jurado, appointed by the Spanish authorities.
• Italy: a sworn translation (traduzione giurata).
• Netherlands: a sworn translation by a beëdigd vertaler.

Countries with their own accreditation

• Canada: a translation by a certified translator who is a member of CTTIC. Typical receivers are IRCC and universities.
• Australia: a translation by a NAATI-accredited translator. Typical receivers are the Department of Home Affairs and universities.

Other countries in this guide

• Portugal: a certified translation. Typical receivers are the immigration agency, courts and universities.
• Sweden: a locally certified translation. Typical receivers are Migrationsverket, courts and universities.
• United Arab Emirates: a legal translation for the Ministry of Justice, courts and free zones. The UAE is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents for use there cannot be apostilled.

Why the country of use matters more than the language

It is natural to think about the languages first. Swedish to English, Spanish to German and so on. But the rules come from the receiving country, not from the language pair. A Spanish to English translation for the UK and the same translation for the United States can have different statements attached.

That is why our calculator asks for the country where the document will be used. Once you choose it, you only see the certification options that fit that country.

Questions to ask the receiving office

• Which kind of translation do you accept: certified, sworn, or something else?
• Does the translator need to be appointed or accredited in your country?
• Does the original document need an apostille or other authentication?
• Do you need the translation on paper, or is a PDF enough?
• Do you need the full document translated, including stamps and the back page?

Most offices answer these quickly, and the answers save you from ordering the wrong thing. Keep the reply, so you can check it when you place your order.

When a country is not on the list

This guide covers 13 countries. The calculator lets you pick any country of use. If yours is not listed here, choose it in the calculator and read the options it shows. If you are still unsure, ask the receiving office what it requires and contact us with their answer.

Adding notarisation or an apostille

Many cases need more than a translation. A power of attorney might need a notarised signature, and a public document going to a Hague Convention country might need an apostille. You can book a notary meeting online alongside the translation.

A useful habit is to get the requirement in writing. An email from the receiving office, or a link to its published guidance, is easier to rely on than a phone call. It also helps if you need to show later why you ordered a particular kind of translation.

Next step

Open the translations calculator, choose the country of use, pick your languages and upload a clear scan or photo of your document.