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A sworn translation is prepared by a translator who holds an officially recognised accreditation with the relevant foreign authority. It is a specific legal form of translation -- distinct from a standard UK certified translation -- and is the format required by public bodies in Spain, Italy, France and Germany.
In the UK, a "certified translation" typically means a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator confirming its accuracy. This is a self-declaration -- there is no external authority involved. Any professional translator can produce a UK certified translation.
A sworn translation is prepared by a translator who has been formally accredited or sworn in by an official authority in the country where the document will be used. Each country has its own system and title:
Certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores). Listed on an official register. Their translations carry an official stamp and certification number.
Sworn before an Italian court (Tribunale). They have taken a formal oath and are authorised to produce legally recognised translations for Italian public bodies and courts.
Registered with a French Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel) and listed on the court's official expert register. Required for translations submitted to French public bodies.
Sworn in by a German regional court (Landgericht). Authorised to produce translations with official legal standing for German public bodies and courts.
A faithful translation of the full content of the original document into the target language. Nothing is omitted or paraphrased -- the complete text is translated.
A signed statement by the translator confirming accuracy and completeness, along with their name, accreditation details, and registration number.
The translator's official stamp (where applicable), their certification or court registration number, and their appointment details with the relevant authority.
We deliver the completed translation by email as a PDF within 1-2 working days. A printed hard copy can be arranged on request if the receiving authority requires a physical document.
Many authorities require both a sworn translation and an apostille on the original.
Read guide →A guide to the UK documents most commonly required for translation.
Read guide →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.
No. A notarised translation involves a notary public verifying the translator's signature -- it is an additional step on top of the translation itself. Some authorities require notarisation as well as a sworn translation. Confirm with the receiving authority.
Generally not. UK certified translations do not carry the same legal standing as a translation prepared by a Traductor Jurado (Spain), Traduttore Giurato (Italy), Traducteur Assermente (France) or Beeidigter Ubersetzer (Germany). Each country requires their own accredited translator.
Not necessarily -- it depends on what the receiving authority requires. For official submissions such as civil registry documents, residency applications, and court proceedings, a sworn translation is commonly required. For informal purposes, a standard translation may suffice. Always confirm with the authority you are dealing with.
Yes. For sworn translation only, a clear scan or good-quality photo emailed to us is all we need. You do not need to post the original. If an apostille on the original is also required, the original will need to be posted for that process and we will advise you accordingly.
£90 per page · English to Spanish, Italian, French or German · Email your scan · PDF by email
Order via 1Apostille.org.uk