Sworn translation, legalisation and apostille
The terms ‘sworn translation’, ‘legalisation’ and ‘apostille’ come up a lot in the translation world. For some official legal documents, such as contracts, diplomas and employment contracts, a legal translation is not sufficient.
Wilkens Translations is ready to help you, whether you need a sworn translation or a sworn interpreter. And that’s not all: we also provide the legalisation or apostille of your official document for you.
Sworn, legalised or apostilled?
No need to immerse yourself in the complex world of sworn translations, legalisations and apostilles – we’ve done it for you. You may have wondered what exactly needs to be done to your translation and why. Let us tell you about it.
Sworn translation
A sworn translation is not ‘better’ than a legal translation. The difference is that a sworn translation is legally valid and can be used as an official document. In short: when you need an official text translated, you need a sworn translation.
You always receive the translation on paper, complete with a stamp of the sworn translator and attached to the original document. In addition, you will receive a declaration that the translation is a true and accurate reflection of the original text. A sworn translation is translated by a sworn translator who is registered in the Register of sworn interpreters and translators (known as Rbtv in the Netherlands) and who must meet specific requirements.
Is your translation going to be used in another country? It is possible that some additional steps may be required.
Legalisation
Legalisation is making a translated document legally valid. When a document needs to be used in another country, there are often additional requirements. These requirements can vary according to the country and the type of document.
Legalisation always requires a visit to multiple official bodies: the relevant court, the embassy of the relevant country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This ‘tour of The Hague’ can be time-consuming and complicated, especially if you are not familiar with the procedure.
Apostille
Some countries have signed the Apostille Convention. To legalise translated documents in these countries, a separate apostille or stamp from the district court is required.
From translation to a ‘tour of The Hague’
Wilkens will be happy to advise you and manage the entire process for you. For example, legalisation always requires a visit to multiple official bodies: the relevant court, the embassy of the relevant country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This ‘tour of The Hague’ can be time-consuming and complicated, especially if you are not familiar with the procedure.
We will do the translation, legalisation and apostille, if needed, for you. This means you directly receive a translation that is legally valid, where and when you need it.
Sworn interpreters
As with a sworn translation and a legal translation, there is a difference between a sworn interpreter and a legal interpreter.
A sworn interpreter can be used, for example, in court, for notaries, the police and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). A non-sworn interpreter cannot do this: in criminal law and migration law, you are only allowed to use interpreters that are registered on the Rbtv.
Contact
Do you need to get an official document translated and legalised, or do you need a sworn interpreter? Or are you still unsure whether legalisation of your text is necessary? We will be happy to advise.
Contact our staff or request a no-obligation quote.
