Sworn or Certified Translation?
The Differences That Matter
A practical guide to choosing the right service for your legal documents. Two terms often confused, with very different consequences.
Many businesses and professionals come to us with the same question: "Do I need a sworn translation or a certified translation?" The answer is not straightforward, because the two terms are often used interchangeably — even by those who should know better. But the differences are real, and choosing the wrong service means delays, requests for supplementary documents from receiving bodies, and in the worst cases, rejected documents.
What is a certified translation
The term "certified translation" is the most generic. It refers to a translation produced by a professional translator who, by affixing their stamp and signature, attests that the translation is faithful and complete with respect to the original. It is a declaration of professional responsibility, but has no formal legal value in itself. It is accepted by many private companies, some universities and bodies that require an "official" translation without specifying further procedures.
What is a sworn translation (asseverated translation)
A sworn translation — technically defined as an asseverated translation — involves an additional and binding step: the translator swears before a notary or court registrar the truthfulness and faithfulness of the translation with respect to the original. This formal act confers the same legal value on the document as the original.
It is the service required by: Courts, Prefectures, Consulates, Chambers of Commerce, Ministries, social security bodies. In all cases where a public body or judicial authority must recognise the document, the sworn translation is the only accepted form.
When each type is required
| Situation | Service required |
|---|---|
| Commercial contract for a foreign partner | Certified translation (depends) |
| Financial statements for filing with foreign Chamber of Commerce | Sworn translation |
| Birth certificate for a foreign university | Sworn translation |
| Technical manual for internal use | Professional translation |
| Qualification for an Italian public body | Sworn translation |
| Website localised for a foreign market | Localised translation |
Our practical advice
If in doubt, always ask the receiving body which type it accepts. If uncertain, opt for the sworn translation: it is valid in any context. The additional cost is modest compared to the risk of having to repeat the entire process.
For over 50 years we have managed both types for businesses, law firms and private individuals. If you have a document and don't know where to start, contact us: we will guide you immediately, without obligation.
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