A translation company recognized for its sworn translations

A.D.T. International can provide you with sworn translations. As for all the translations undertaken by A.D.T., we guarantee that the language service provider perfectly masters the source and target languages and has full understanding of the subject dealt with in the text. Our translators must adapt their work to the type of document they have received and to the level of language required according to the translation recipient. Precision and excellence are our strengths. Our work methods ensure you get a high-quality result. We remain attentive in order to understand your needs and best assist you in your project.

What is a sworn translation?

A sworn translation is often required for administrative documents, public tenders, requests for visas, and formalities involved in moving to, or establishing business in, a foreign country. Unlike a regular translation, these documents require the services of a sworn translator in order for them to be considered official.

The objective of sworn translation is therefore to translate and certify administrative and legal documents so that they may be accepted as official legal documents by French or foreign authorities.

Examples of documents that may require a sworn translation:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Legal judgments
• Academic degrees
• Annual reports
• Contracts
• Divorce judgments
  
  (etc.)

Sworn translation must be undertaken by a sworn translator

In order for the sworn translation to be admissible, it is essential to use a sworn translator affiliated with a District Court or a court of appeal. A sworn translator must take an oath with a court that recognizes the professional in such a capacity before they are able to certify that the translation is identical to the original document. Sworn translation is a difficult exercise, since it must take into account the precise form and meaning of the original version. Calling upon a sworn translator therefore guarantees exceedingly high-quality work. In order for a translation to be recognized by the public authorities, a translator must use the utmost precision in their work, so that the translated text is a faithful translation of the original document. An excellent language level is therefore required. To be sworn in, a certified translator must have at least a master's degree in translation or an equivalent, and be perfectly proficient in both the source and target languages they work in. Moreover, in the case of a very technical translation, the translator must be a specialist in the field. To ensure the validity of your documents, the translator must stamp the original document as well as the translation with their seal and sign both.

Request a sworn translation

Professionals and private individuals that need to provide official documents to the public authorities of France or a foreign country can commission a sworn translation by one of the professional translators chosen by A.D.T.

An increasing number of private individuals, and in particular students, turn to the services of sworn translators.

For example, a student needs to provide a sworn translation of their qualifications and other administrative documents when applying to study in a foreign country – like the Erasmus program. 

Sworn translations are frequently required when providing civil documents such as identity papers (passport, identity card, birth certificate or death certificate) as well as criminal records and expert reports.

Sworn translation can also be requested in a professional situation that requires the translation of official documents written in a foreign language or intended for a country other than France.

The documents translated by the sworn translator must be returned as a hard paper version, and have been signed by hand by the translator stamped with their seal. These conditions are important in order for the document to be considered valid. Likewise, if a digital version of the document to be translated is sent to the translator, they must indicate that the sworn translation has been done from a copy. In this case, there is a risk that some institutions may refuse the translation.

When can a sworn translation be envisaged?

• In a professional situation: 

Using the services of a sworn translator is common practice in many professional fields, and in particular in legal professions. When an official French document is to be addressed to a foreign country or, conversely, when an official foreign document is to be addressed to France, a sworn translation is required. Therefore, legal professionals such as notaries, lawyers or bailiffs may need a sworn translation when a document must be sent from one country to another. In order for such a document to be accepted in a foreign jurisdiction, it is essential to request a sworn translation.

• In case of moving to, or establishing business in, a foreign country:

A lot of administrative or legal formalities are involved in moving to or working in a foreign country. In such a case, making use of sworn translation is essential, since official documents are not considered valid in a foreign country unless they are certified as being exact translations of the originals. In the case of a job offer, translated documents must be provided in the language of that country while respecting then language level as well as the meaning. Likewise, to submit European calls to tender, the company presenting its offer to a foreign organization must have sworn translations of the official documents required for the application.

It is important to note that there is a difference between legal translation and sworn translation: a legal translation is not necessarily a sworn translation. The translation of a contract, for example, is obviously a legal translation; but a contract only requires a sworn translation if it is to be used for certain purposes.

To sum up, it's necessary to have a sworn translation for certain documents to be considered valid in foreign countries. It must be carried out by a sworn translator affiliated with a District Court or a court of appeal. This makes it possible to guarantee the legitimacy of all your documents.