Sworn Translation Services

Due to increased international trade, tourism, and migration for various reasons, the demand for translation services has increased significantly. The most demanded type of translation is the “sworn translation”, but what exactly does it mean?

Sworn translation is often used interchangeably with legal translation, however, they are worlds apart. Legal translation refers to the translation of legal documents such as a contract, a court decision, a power of attorney, etc. Sworn translation, also known as a certified translation, on the other hand, refers to the translation of all types of documents that have been signed and stamped by a sworn translator.

Although sworn translation can be asked for any type of document, the most common are legal documents. It is also often required in the case of educational documents to be accepted as authentic and original.

Who is a Sworn Translator?

There is no internationally agreed procedure for selecting a sworn translator but by definition, it is a person who has been certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other similar concerned authorities to provide accurate translation of all kinds of documents.

Reasons to Get Sworn Translation

Sworn translations are legally required to maintain the authenticity of various kinds of documents that are translated into different languages as per the destination country’s requirement. Certified translations ensure that the content of the original documents is accurately translated and guarantee that there are no alternations. The accuracy of translation is crucial for various international dealings including education, business and trade. Some of the reasons to get sworn translations are as follows:

• Legal Records

  In the case of serious transactions that include legal documents such as contracts, court rulings, Powers of Attorney, etc, the need for sworn translation becomes crucial for international acceptance. The documents with certified translations provide a clear understanding of the contents for all the parties involved.

• Immigration and Citizenship

  As previously mentioned, immigration has been on the rise and to immigrate to a foreign country and acquire citizenship, one has to submit numerous documents. Sworn translation becomes especially important if the language of the destination country is different from the source country.

• Academic and Professional Credentials

  Once again, if students and professionals are moving abroad for educational and employment purposes, they may need to provide translated academic and professional documents.

• Business Transactions

  International business and trade often involve detailed legal and commercial documents that need to be translated for effective understanding. Sworn translations of such important documents ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of the documents.

• Official Correspondence

  Governmental and diplomatic communications may require sworn translations to ensure the accuracy and legality of the correspondence.

Many other scenarios also call for sworn translations but the ones mentioned above are the most common settings in which an individual or an organisation may require sown translation.

Documents Requiring Sworn Translation

The documents requiring sworn translations can be divided into three categories - Educational, Professional/Employment and Commercial/Business.

The Process of Sworn Translation

The process of acquiring a sworn translation can be hectic and rigorous. Discussed below are the steps involved in the process of sworn translation;

• Pick a Translator

  The most important step is to select a qualified translator with certifications from a government body or other similar institutions. Proficiency in the source and target languages is also an important factor in selecting a sworn translator.

• Present the Original Documents

  Make sure to provide the original clear and legible documents for sworn translations.

• Translation

  In this step, the sworn translator fully translates the original documents into the target language without distorting the meaning, context and nuances of the original document.

• Certification by the Sworn Translator

  The documents on completion of translation are required to be certified by the sworn translator to make them suitable for use overseas. Certification is done by attaching a statement of accuracy along with the translator’s signature and official stamp.

• Present to the Authorities

  The translated and certified documents are then submitted to the concerned authorities.

Tips to Choose the Right Sworn Translator

Choosing the right translation service provider for your legal, personal or commercial documents is very important as it ensures accurate translation. Here are a few points to keep in mind while choosing a sworn translator;

In conclusion, sworn translation is an essential service, especially in our globally connected modern-day world. It is required to maintain the integrity and authenticity of various educational, legal and commercial documents that may otherwise be lost due to language barriers.