Sworn Translations for France

English to French Translation Service 

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.

Our English to French translation services focus on providing high-quality, certified translations, ideal for official documents that need to be accepted by authorities. Alongside certified translations, we offer other types of translations, ensuring that your content is accurately and clearly conveyed in the French language. Whether you're translating business documents, legal papers, or marketing materials, our skilled translators ensure that every detail is properly translated, maintaining the meaning and intent of the original text while making it accessible to French-speaking audiences.

Official Translations by an Official Translator Sworn 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 official document 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 translation of official documents make it acceptable to all relevant authorities.

Translations Used Abroad or at Embassies

When French residents, expatriates, or businesses need to engage with authorities outside of France, they may be required to provide documents that are not only translated but also certified. This is particularly relevant in scenarios such as immigration applications, international business contracts, academic enrollments abroad, marriage registrations, and legal proceedings in foreign jurisdictions.

Embassies and consulates play a critical role in the certification process. For documents to be used abroad or for foreign entities within France, the translation often needs to be endorsed by the embassy or consulate of the relevant country. This endorsement verifies that the translation meets the specific standards and requirements of that country. Some countries require a further step known as legalization or apostille, which authenticates the seals and signatures on documents, including certified translations, to be accepted across borders under the Hague Apostille Convention.

The Format of a Sworn Translation

1. Translator's Certification: The document will feature a statement by the sworn translator certifying that the translation is a true and faithful representation of the original document.
2. Seal and Signature: A sworn translation must bear the official seal and signature of the sworn translator. This is a critical element that authenticates the document and confirms the translator's status as a court-appointed professional.
3. Identification Details: The translation will include the official document translator's contact information, their appointment credentials by the court, and possibly their professional registration number. This information is essential for verification purposes.
4. Original Text Reference: Sworn translations often include references to the original document, such as the date of the document, the issuing authority, and any official seal or stamp it bears. This practice ensures a clear linkage between the translation and the original document.
5. Formatting: The translation should mirror the format of the original document as closely as possible. This includes the layout, signatures, stamps, and any notations. Maintaining the original's format aids in the document's recognition and acceptance by authorities.

Apostille of the Translation 

As we mentioned previously, you may also be required to obtain an Apostille for your translation. The official English to French 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.

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
• Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs
• Civil Registration Office
• French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII)

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

• Universities
• Banks
• Local authorities
• 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. For all of the documents below, we can provide translations from and into more than 70 languages, such as English to French translations of various documents. 

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

What are the Requirements of a French Sworn Translator - Translayte?

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, notarization, apostille or 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.