Our customers often do not know whether it is worth preparing an official, certified translation for their documents for use abroad. Numerous translation agencies in the host country and abroad often claim that their translation is sufficient for all cases and that the certified translation is not necessary. Some of them emphasize that their translations can also be used abroad. Such offers seem quite tempting due to the relatively low price. But will they be useful to you?
Mostly not. The vast majority of countries require the translation of documents to be done on their territory and often in compliance with certain rules.
In general, the countries of the world can be conditionally divided into three main groups: those in which certified translations are practiced by sworn translators, those that require notarized translation, and those that do not have strict requirements for the translation of documents. There are also "transition types", but we'll deal with them separately.
A sworn translator (also called court in some countries) combines the individual characteristics of a translator and a notary. He not only translates documents, but also officially certifies their translation independently, after which you no longer need to go to a notary. Typically, such translators pass special exams and are entered in special state registers. Often they can be found in the states of continental Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Classic examples of sworn translators can be found in Germany and Poland.
A notarized translation is a more complicated process than a certified translation. Depending on the country, there can be two variants: either the translation agency translates the document and then certifies the translator's signature at the notary itself, or the owner of the document first goes to the notary, who already hands the document over to a qualified translator. It is the procedure of notarized translation enshrined in the legislation of most post-Soviet states, including Russia.
In countries that do not have strict requirements for notarization of translations, there is neither a register of translators nor requirements for notarization. It is interesting that such a system exists in some rich and highly developed countries as well as in poor developing countries. With some restrictions, even the United States can be included in this category.
A significant number of countries can be classified as 'transitional'. For example, in Israel, the responsibility for the content of the translation (and not just for notarizing the signature) lies with the notary, who should ideally know the language from which the document is being translated. And although there is no formalized register of sworn translators in Egypt, most official organizations require that they submit translations done by members of a certified association.
In any case, it is better to translate the document in the country where you intend to submit it. This can be done in person upon arrival or by contacting organizations that provide related services.
Attempting to submit a translation done in another country with a document can result in lost time and money. Therefore, never skimp on certified or notarized translations.
