Requirements For a Sworn Translation to be Valid

A sworn translation, also known as a a certified or official translation, is a translation of a document carried out by a translator who has been authorised or accredited by a competent authority, such as a court or a government body. This type of translation is generally required for legal documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, court papers, contracts, and similar, when they need to be submitted to an official institution, court, or government department in a country where the original language of the document is not spoken.

Sworn translation is a crucial process for ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of legal and official documents across languages. However, for a sworn translation to be valid and accepted by the relevant authorities, a number of specific requirements must be met.

Requirements for a sworn translation

The requirements for a sworn translation not only guarantee the quality and accuracy of the translation, but also ensure its legal validity. These may vary depending on the country and jurisdiction in which the translation is required. Nonetheless, there are several key requirements that must be met for a sworn translation to be recognised as valid:

1. Performed by a certified sworn translator: The sworn translation must be carried out by a translator that has been authorised or accredited by a competent authority in the country where the translation is required. Such translators have undergone an assessment process and are qualified to produce accurate translations that remain faithful to the original document.

2. Date, signature and stamp of the translator: A sworn translation must include the date on which it was completed, together with the signature and stamp of the certified translator. This certifies that the translation has been completed by an authorised professional who is responsible for its accuracy and authenticity.

3. Certification statement: The sworn translation must be accompanied by a certification statement in which the translator affirms that the translation is faithful and complete with respect to the original document. This statement usually includes the translator’s name, accreditation number, and a declaration of their competence to provide certified translations,

4. Faithfulness to the original document: The translation must remain faithful to the original document in terms of content, format, and structure. It is essential that no information is omitted or added, and that the translation accurately reflects the meaning and intent of the original.

As such, the sworn translator certifies that the translation is accurate and complete and provides a signed and stamped statement confirming its authenticity. In this way, the sworn translation is officially recognised and carries legal validity in the country where it is required. However, it should be noted that the requirements and procedures for obtaining a sworn translation may differ depending on the country and the institution requesting the translated document.

Consequences of an incorrect sworn translation

Producing a sworn translation incorrectly can have serious legal and practical consequences. Some of these include:

1. Rejection of legal documents by the authorities: If a sworn translation does not meet the required standards or is inaccurate, it is likely to be rejected by the competent authorities. This can result in delays in legal or administrative procedures, as well as the invalidation of important documents, for example in court cases, property transactions, or international contracts.

2. Legal problems: An inaccurate sworn translation may cause misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the information contained in the original document. This could have serious legal consequences, particularly in court cases or contractual matters, where precision is essential.

3. Loss of trust and reputation: An incorrect sworn translation can damage the reputation of the individual or organisation that requested it.

4. Additional costs and wasted time: Rectifying an incorrect sworn translation can involve additional costs and wasted time. This may include engaging another translator to produce a new translation, and there may also be fines or penalties for errors.

For all these reasons, it is essential to comply with the established requirements for a sworn translation to be valid and accepted by the relevant authorities. An incorrect sworn translation can lead to serious legal and practical consequences, so it is important to rely on a certified and experienced translator to ensure both accuracy and authenticity.