Sworn translation
Do you want a translation of a legal text or an official document like a deed, document from the civil registry or school certificate? And do you want these documents to be legally valid? If so, you need a sworn translation. With our extensive international network of translators, Bothof Translations can deliver sworn translations in nearly every language.
What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation is produced by a sworn translator. This translation is accompanied by a declaration by the translator, a stamp and signature whereby they declare that the translation is correct and complete. Here is an example of such a declaration:
I, [name], translator for [language] and on the register of sworn translators at the Court in [place], hereby declare that the attached document is a true and accurate translation of the original document.
[Place], [date]
Is Bothof Translations a sworn translation agency?
Bothof Translations is not a sworn translation agency. A translation agency cannot be sworn, only the translators. To become a sworn translator, a translator must have completed a language study at higher professional education level and be registered in the Register of sworn interpreters and translators (Rbtv).
When do I need a sworn translation?
You need a sworn translation if you want to have an official document translated which needs to be legally valid. You often need such documents for government organisations. If your organisation is based in another country, sworn translations of the statutes and deed of incorporation may be required.
Some examples of documents which are translated by a sworn translator:
- Civil registry: driving licences, birth certificates, death certificates and marriage certificates
- Contracts: purchase agreements, employment contracts and pension agreements
- Legal documents: summonses, sentences, bailiff’s writs and statements of defence
- Notarial documents: statutes, mortgage deeds, wills, certificates of inheritance and an extract from the Chamber of Commerce
- Other documents: diplomas, references, certificates and tax documents
A translation does not need to be sworn in all situations. A translation only needs to be sworn if the document will be used for official purposes. Not sure whether you need a sworn translation? Please contact us. We will be happy to advise you.
Legalisation and apostille
In some cases, you need a legalised translation as well as a sworn translation. In that case, legalisation is required. For the legalisation of a document, it must be legalised by various organisations, such as the Court, Chamber of Commerce, DUO and/or the embassy of the country in which you will be using the document. We will be pleased to take care of the entire legalisation process for you.
If a country is a party to the Apostille Convention, the procedure is relatively easy. However, if a country is not a party to the Apostille Convention, legalisation can be a time-consuming process. For more information, please visit the page Apostille and legalisation.
Strictly confidential!
Legal documents often contain confidential and personal information. At Bothof, there is no need to worry about the fate of such sensitive data. We treat your documents with the utmost care.
Every translation project is confidential to us. All our employees have signed a confidentiality agreement and they are fully aware that your documents are confidential. If you would like to have extra certainty, we will obviously sign a confidentiality agreement drawn up by you.
Would you like to know more?
Would you like to know more about sworn translation or send us a request? Please contact us. We will be pleased to assist you.
