Sworn, certified or authorised translations: what are the differences?
1. What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation is generally a translation produced by a translator who has been officially appointed or authorised by a competent judicial or public authority.
The translator certifies that the translation corresponds to the original document. Depending on the country's legal system, the translation may bear the translator's signature, stamp, certification statement and/or official registration details.
Sworn translations are commonly required for documents such as:
- birth, marriage and death certificates;
- criminal-record certificates;
- diplomas and academic documents;
- court judgments;
- contracts and legal documents;
- administrative documents;
- immigration and nationality documents.
In Belgium, for example, the profession is regulated through the National Register of Sworn Translators and Interpreters, with translators appointed by the competent authorities.
2. What is a certified translation?
The expression certified translation is broader and can have different meanings depending on the country and the organisation requesting the document.
A certified translation generally means that the translator or translation provider formally confirms that the translation is an accurate representation of the source document.
However, a certified translation is not automatically a sworn translation.
For example, an organisation may accept a translator's certification for a particular administrative procedure, while a court or government authority may specifically require a translation completed by an officially authorised sworn translator.
Always check the requirements of the institution receiving the document.
3. What is an authorised translation?
Authorised translation is another term whose meaning depends on the national legal system.
It can refer to a translation carried out by a translator who has been officially authorised, registered, appointed or recognised by a competent authority.
In some countries, the terminology used is "sworn translator"; in others, terms such as "authorised translator", "official translator" or equivalent expressions may be used.
Consequently, the word authorised should not automatically be interpreted as meaning the same thing in every jurisdiction.
4. Sworn vs certified vs authorised: at a glance
| Term | General meaning | Official status? |
|---|---|---|
| Sworn translation | Translation certified by an officially appointed sworn translator | Usually yes |
| Certified translation | Translation accompanied by a certification of accuracy | Depends on the procedure |
| Authorised translation | Translation by a translator officially recognised or authorised under the applicable system | Depends on the country |
The most important point is that the terminology and legal requirements differ between countries.
5. Belgium and Luxembourg: why terminology matters
If your document is intended for use in Belgium or Luxembourg, it is particularly important to determine what the receiving authority actually requires.
A translation that is acceptable for a private company may not meet the requirements of a court, municipality, university, notary or immigration authority.
You may also need to consider whether the original document requires:
- an apostille;
- legalisation;
- a particular form of certification;
- a physical or electronic signature;
- or a translation by a translator officially recognised in the relevant jurisdiction.
Need a translation for official use?
A professional sworn translator can help you determine which type of translation is appropriate for your procedure and destination country.
Before ordering a translation, provide the translator with the document and, where possible, the name of the authority or institution that will receive it. This helps ensure that the translation meets the applicable requirements.
