Certified Sworn Translation
Certified Translations in Belgium
Sworn translations, also known as certified translations, are translations of documents that are accompanied by a signed statement from a professional translator affirming the accuracy of the translation.
They are required for legal, official, or administrative purposes where the recipient authority or organisation demands a high level of confidence in the accuracy of the translation.
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Why use Absolute Translations?
Certified translations play an important part in bridging the bureaucratic gap between Belgium and EU countries as they enable authorities to read official documents in English.
Documents that require certified translation services are usually needed for submission to official authorities such as courts and government agencies.
In such cases, individuals that are submitting their personal documents such as birth certificates, work permits and any other official documents require official endorsements for their translated copies as proof that it was done by an accredited translation company and translator who has translated the documents to the best of their ability.
What does a sworn translation look like?
Certification Statement
A sworn translation includes a certification statement signed by the translator or a representative of the translation agency. This statement includes information such as the translator’s name, qualifications, and a declaration of the accuracy of the translation.
Sworn translations are required for official documentation, such as:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
- Civil status documents
- Residence certificate
- Diploma
- Pay slip
- Bank document
- Driver’s license
- Certificate of Good Conduct / Police record
- Other legal documents (contract, judgment, notary document, etc.)
Legal Validity
Sworn translations are considered legally valid and are accepted by government authorities, courts, immigration offices, educational institutions, and other entities that require translations for official purposes.
Professional Translators
Sworn translations are carried out by professional translators who are certified or accredited by relevant translation associations or governmental bodies.
Seal or Stamp
Some jurisdictions may require a seal or stamp on the certification statement to further authenticate the document.
In Belgium, sworn translators have taken an oath before the Court of First Instance. They are authorised to sign and stamp their translations and have an official identification number. If necessary, the translator can submit the translation to the Ministry of Justice for legalisation.
Languages and Jurisdictions
The requirements for sworn translations may vary by country and even by the specific authority or institution requesting the translation. It’s essential to check the specific requirements and guidelines for the intended use of the translation.
Cost
Sworn translations often come at a higher cost compared to regular translations due to the additional certification and quality assurance involved.
In some cases your translation has to be legalised by an official ministry, consulate or embassy or requires an apostille.
We can take care of this for you.
It’s important to note that not all translations need to be sworn or certified.
The necessity for a sworn translation depends on the specific requirements of the organisation or authority requesting the document. If you require a sworn translation, it’s advisable to work with a professional translation service who has experience in providing certified translations to ensure the accuracy and acceptance of the translated document for its intended purpose.