Certified & Sworn Translations for France

Sworn Translations in France

If you're presenting a non-French document as part of a government, embassy or institutional application in France, then you'd be asked to present a sworn translation.

Official or Sworn Translation Requirements in France

In France, sworn translations require a sworn translator. Sworn translators in France are professional translators who have sworn an oath in court, undergone a selection process and are authorised to translate from select languages into French. They are sworn in by the Regional Court of Appeal where the translator lives and are all listed on the "Annuaire de Traducteurs Assermentés". 

For sworn translations used within France, the certified sworn translator’s signature and stamp on the translated document make the translation acceptable to all relevant authorities.

Translations Used Abroad, or at Embassies

For translations to be used abroad, or at foreign embassies in France, we recommend that you first obtain an Apostille on the original document and confirm the translation requirements with the authority you’re presenting the translation to. We can provide a sworn translation from French into the authority's local language.

If you have been asked to provide a legalised translation, the translator will be required to legalise their signature. This can be done at a town hall, by a notary, or at a chamber of commerce where the translator has registered their signature. This is usually requested if the translation is to be presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or to a foreign embassy.

Where are Sworn Translations Required?

Translayte can provide Sworn Translations in French that are accepted by any of the agencies or organisations below.

• Ministry of the Interior / Ministère de l'Intérieur
• Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs / Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères
• Civil Registration Office / Bureau de l'Etat-Civi
• French Office for Immigration and Integration / OFII

Our sworn translations are also accepted by the following organizations in France:

• Universities
• Banks
• Local authority
• Courts
• Foreign Embassies
• French Police

Documents that Require Sworn Translation in France

Here are some documents you may be required to get a sworn translation for in France, depending on what your use case is. We translate and certify documents like: 

• Birth certificate
• Legal contracts
• Marriage certificate
• Academic certificate
• Business documents
• Drivers license
• Court rulings
• Bank documents  

And more...

What are the Requirements of a French Sworn Translator

To provide you with an accurate and efficient sworn translation that meets the standards for use in France, we kindly request the following:

Original Documents:

• Please provide a clear and legible copy of the document(s) you need to be translated. For certain types of sworn translations, we may require the original document.

Purpose of Translation:

• Kindly inform us of the specific context in which the translation will be used (e.g., legal, academic, business) to ensure it meets the necessary criteria.

Format & Design Preferences:

• Share your desired file format for the translated document.
• Let us know if you have specific layout or design requirements for the translated content.

Deadline:

• Please specify when you need the translation completed and returned to you.

Points of Contact:

• Designate a person or team we can reach out to for any clarifications or questions during the translation process.

Feedback on Previous Translations:

• If you've worked with us or another agency in the past, any feedback or specific terminology preferences would be valuable.

Confidentiality Concerns:

• Your privacy is our utmost priority. If you have specific confidentiality requirements or wish to have an NDA in place, please let us know.

Payment Details:

• Confirm your agreement with our payment terms, rates, and preferred payment methods.

Additional Services:

• Should you require extra services such as proofreading, formatting, or desktop publishing alongside the translation, please specify upfront.

Reference Materials:

• If you have glossaries, previously translated materials, or style guides relevant to the content, providing them will aid in ensuring consistency.

Notarization:

• As you require a sworn translation for use in France, please confirm if you need the translated document to be notarized.

Translation Apostille

Finally, you may be required to obtain an Apostille for your translation. The official translation of documents is submitted to the Apostille office at the court where the person (e.g. notary) who legalised the signature of the sworn translator is located. This is where the Apostille will be attached to your translated document(s). 

We can also help you meet your Apostille needs but would recommend that you first confirm the requirements with the requesting authority before placing an order.

FAQs About Sworn Translations in France

Who is a Sworn Translator?

 A sworn translator is a professional translator who has undergone professional training to become an authorized translator for certain languages and taken an oath in a regional court in France, in order to attain the 'Sworn' status.
 

Why do I Need a Sworn Translation?

A sworn translation is often required for official documents that will be presented to governmental, legal, or academic institutions in France. Examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, legal contracts, and court documents. These institutions require translations by sworn translators to ensure the authenticity, accuracy, and legal validity of the translated content.
 

How Soon Will I Receive my Sworn Translation?

The turnaround time for a sworn translation varies based on the length and complexity of the document, as well as the current workload of our sworn translators. However, at Translayte, we understand the urgency of such translations and typically aim to deliver them within 24 - 48 hours. If you have a particularly tight deadline, please let us know, and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.

How do I Order my Sworn Translation?

Ordering a sworn translation with Translayte is simple:

1. Visit our website and navigate to the 'Order Your Translation' section on the home page.
2. Upload the document(s) you need to be translated.
3. Provide any specific instructions or requirements.
4. Choose your desired delivery date.
5. Make the payment securely online. Once your order is placed, our team will assign it to a suitable sworn translator, and you'll receive the translated document within the specified timeframe.

How Much Does a Sworn Translation Cost?

The cost of a sworn translation depends on several factors, including the length of the document, its complexity, and the language pair involved. Our pricing is competitive, ensuring you receive high-quality translations at affordable rates. For a precise quote, please upload your document to our website or contact our customer service team, and we'll provide you with a detailed estimate.