A certified translation is a legal document usually required in the process of submitting foreign language documents to courts, government organisations or non-governmental organizations such as universities, colleges and other institutions. Since there are different categories of certification across the globe, it is highly recommended check the precise certification required. Certification lends weight to a translation. For instance, if a document is mistranslated deliberately or carelessly, legal action could be taken against the translator with contempt of court, perjury or negligence.

A sworn translation hints that the document is signed and sealed by an authorized sworn translator and is endorsed with his or her stamp. A sworn translator is the holder of an office in public law who, in a sense, is similar to a notary public although this depends on the jurisdiction. They are permitted by the state to certify the accuracy of translated documents and often the validity of copies of such translations. Any document which is authorized by a sworn translator is legal and can be used as an official translation.

However, in the English common law system covering the jurisdictions of England and Wales, the "sworn translator" concept does not exist unlike in civil law countries. In this system the term most referred to is “certified translator” who is preferred to other translators because of the skills and suitability as certified by an accrediting body such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists or Institute of Translators and Interpreters.

A certified translator adheres to a code of professional conduct and may provide a certifying letter or paragraph to accompany a translation that is required for official purposes. This certification attests to the accuracy of the translation and the translator’s qualifications and experience. However, such translators do not have stamps or any official or state-recognised status.

Public documents, which include passports, birth and death certificates, patents and more, are crucially important for individuals to have access to in their country of residence.  However, often a public document is needed abroad for use in countries where they were not originally issued.  A type of certificate called an Apostille has thus been created which serves to validate foreign public documents in countries that are a part of the Hague Convention, also known as the Apostille Convention.  These countries have a mutual agreement that an Apostille will suffice as authentication for public documents within countries that are party to the Hague Convention.  As a result, Apostilles facilitate the easy flow of public documents within participating countries making it easy for individuals to utilize these important official papers abroad.

The purpose of an Apostille is ultimately to verify the origin of the public document in question.  However, they do not validate the information contained within the public document.  A valid Apostille certificate has a box shaped outline within which it is identified using the title “Apostille”; there are 10 standard numbered pieces of information and there is inclusion of the Convention’s French title in short form which reads “Convention de La Haye du 5 octubre 1961.”  Other information may also be included in an Apostille such as supplementary information regarding the public document and a reminder that it is invalid for use in the country of issuance.  However, all supplementary information must remain outside of the box shaped outline in order to uphold the validity of the certificate.

An Apostille only serves for public documents in countries party to the Apostille Convention.  The laws in the country of issuance deem whether or not a document qualifies as a public document.  In each country party to the Hague Convention, there are “Competent Authorities” which are the dedicated authorities certified to issue Apostilles.  The cost of an Apostille varies amongst countries and even different Competent Authorities within countries.  When issued, Apostilles are either affixed directly on to the document or can be attached on an allonge, which is a separate page, through the use of a stamp, sticker or other form of adhesive.  They can typically be issued quickly and one day turnarounds are common.

In applying for and using an Apostille, the final step in the process required before submitting all relevant information to the requesting authority in the country the document will be used in is having a certified translator or sworn translator translate the text to the language of that country.  The country of issuance will already have provided the Apostille stamp, however the new country will require conversion of the Apostille to their language through a certified translation.  It is absolutely vital that the translation is completed by an accredited translator in order to reliably substantiate the accuracy of the translated text.  It is important to find a properly certified or sworn translator to complete this last component in the process to ensure that the documents will be accepted and understood in the country where they are to be used.

One of the most stressful experiences, we often hear, is planning a wedding. A time when emotions are running sky high and the desire for everything to be 200% perfect is a source of tension with every wedding related phone call.

For many British people in particular, a traditional wedding is a costly affair which often adds to the existing pressure when there really should be none as the event in question is supposed to be the happiest day of a person’s life.

Travelling abroad to get married is an increasingly popular option nowadays for many couples regardless of background or age and can even be a far more cost-effective way of tying the knot. This way the wedding and honeymoon are combined for most couples. In addition – and this depends entirely on your preferred climate - a southern European wedding (or further afield) can come close to a guarantee of blue skies and sunshine coupled with the reduced risk of your big day being a washout.

As an accredited translation company Translations2u often translates marriage certificates from other languages into English and other documents from English to be presented to the authorities of other countries. However, for the latter, intending spouses must check what the relevant authority in the country where they wish to marry actually requires of them to comply with local legislation and what type of “certification” that authority will accept.

Important to note is that different countries set different legal requirements, some require a period of residency, others don’t. Some require additional documents to be translated whereas others require only three essential documents.

Once you have been married abroad, a certified translation into English is easily come by since the UK has no “sworn translator” requirement. Instead the Chartered Institute of Linguists and Institute of Translators and Interpreters set guidelines for the performance of translations that are required for official purposes. Although any competent person can in principle be accepted as a “certified translator”, the authorities, educational establishments and courts always seek a translation certified by a recognised accrediting body such as those indicated above.

Future posts will cover the requirements for getting married in various countries and those considering marrying abroad or looking for advice on translating their personal documents into another language for this purpose are welcome to contact Translations2u for free advice at any time.