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An apostille and a sworn translation are two separate things -- but many foreign authorities require both. This guide explains the difference, when each is needed, and how to get both arranged together.
A sworn translation converts the content of your UK document into the target language. It is prepared by a translator accredited by the relevant foreign authority and confirms that the translated text accurately reflects the original. The sworn translation is a new document that accompanies your original.
An apostille is an official certificate attached to the original document itself. It authenticates the document's origin -- confirming it was issued by a legitimate UK authority. It is issued by the FCDO in the UK. An apostille does not translate anything; it certifies the original document.
Requirements vary significantly between countries and between individual authorities within the same country. The following reflects what is often -- but not always -- the case. Always confirm with the receiving authority before ordering.
Spanish civil registries, residency authorities and notaries typically require both an apostille on the original and a sworn translation by a Traductor Jurado. This applies to birth certificates, marriage certificates, Decree Absolutes, and academic documents in most cases.
Italian citizenship by descent applications and civil registry submissions almost always require both. Apostilles are often required on every document in the ancestral chain, alongside sworn translations by a Traduttore Giurato.
French civil registries and prefectures often require both. French notaires handling succession may also require apostilled originals with sworn translations by a Traducteur Assermente.
German Standesamt offices and citizenship authorities often require both. German qualification recognition bodies may also require apostilled originals with sworn translations by a Beeidigter Ubersetzer.
When both are required, the typical sequence most authorities expect is:
The apostille is obtained on the original UK document, confirming it is genuine.
The sworn translation is prepared from the apostilled original (or a scan of it).
The receiving authority receives the apostilled original and the sworn translation together.
Also offered by 1Apostille
Need an Apostille on the Original Document?
Many foreign authorities require both a sworn translation and an apostille. Our parent service 1Apostille.org.uk can arrange both.
Yes. We can provide a sworn translation without an apostille. Whether the receiving authority will accept the translation without an apostille on the original is a separate question -- confirm their requirements before ordering.
Yes. Our parent service 1Apostille.org.uk handles apostilles, and 1Translation handles sworn translations. Both can be arranged together. When an apostille is also required, the original document will need to be posted to us -- we will advise on this when you order.
The apostille is attached to the original document, not the translation. The sworn translation is a separate document that accompanies the apostilled original.
Some authorities require recently issued certificates rather than old originals. For example, some Italian authorities request birth certificates issued within the past 12 months. Check with the receiving authority whether a fresh copy is needed before ordering.
£90 per page · English to Spanish, Italian, French or German · Email your scan · PDF by email
Order via 1Apostille.org.uk