Sworn Translation Services For France

Sworn Translation in France For All Document Types

Translayte provides certified sworn translations (traductions assermentées) in France for a wide range of personal and professional documents. If you're submitting non-French documents to a government, embassy, or institution, our sworn translators, authorised by French Courts of Appeal, deliver accurate, legally recognised translations that meet official requirements.

We support translations for documents such as:

• Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates

• Academic transcripts and diplomas

• Court judgments and legal contracts

• Financial statements and tax records

• Passports, ID cards, and proof of residence

You’ll typically need sworn translations of these documents during; 

• Visa and residency applications

• University enrolment and academic recognition

• Court proceedings and legal filings

• Bank account openings and loan applications

• Employment and business registration processes

We offer translations from English to French, Spanish, and other major languages, and vice versa. Whether you're translating business documents, legal papers, or marketing materials, our sworn translators maintain the original meaning and intent while making it accessible to French-speaking audiences.

Official Translations by Court-Appointed Sworn Translators in France

In France, a sworn translation (traduction assermentée) is prepared by a translator appointed as a judicial expert (expert judiciaire) and listed for a relevant language on a French Cour d'appel (Court of Appeal) list.

These translators are listed in the official Directory of sworn translators in France (Annuaire des traducteurs assermentés), which lets users verify the translator's appointment and language specialisation. Before submitting a translation for an official procedure, you should check that the translator's listing is current and that their appointment covers the language you need.

Sworn translations must include the translator's official stamp, signature, and sworn statement to be accepted by French courts, ministries, universities, embassies, and other public institutions.

At Translayte, we work with translators appointed as judicial experts in France. We can prepare your sworn translation for your intended use, as well as an apostille, notarisation, or other authentication the receiving authority requires.

Translations Used Abroad or at Embassies

If you are submitting a French document to an authority outside France, you may need more than a translation. The receiving country may require a certified or sworn translation, an apostille, legalisation or another form of authentication. The exact requirement depends on the destination country, the document type, and the organisation receiving it. Based on our order data and translations we’ve delivered, here are the types of translation required for French documents going to specific countries: 

Note: France, the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia are all parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, which means you only need an apostille for French documents. 

The Format of a Sworn Translation

1. Translator's certification: The sworn translator certifies that the translation corresponds to the original document.

2. Signature and official stamp: The translation carries the sworn translator's signature and official stamp identifying their status and relevant court appointment.

3. Translator identification details: The translation identifies the translator and their relevant professional or court-appointed status so that the translator can be verified.

4. Reference to the original document: The translation matches the original document, including the date, issuing authority, stamps, seals, or other identifying details.

5. Ne varietur reference number: The translation may include a unique ne varietur reference number that links the certified translation to the original document. This reference should be retained when checking or submitting the translation.

6. Faithful document presentation: The translation should reproduce the relevant content and identifying features of the original, including stamps, signatures and annotations where required, so that the translated document can be matched to the source document.

Apostille of French Documents and Translations

You may need an apostille if you submit a French public document to an authority in another country that is part of the Hague Convention.

France changed its apostille process on 1 May 2025. Notaires de France now issue apostilles through 15 regional councils or interdepartmental chambers, replacing the previous system handled by the prosecutors' offices of the Courts of Appeal. Since 1 September 2025, the notariat has also handled legalisations previously issued by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The territorial restriction has been removed, so the relevant notarial centres can process documents regardless of where they originated in France. You can submit an apostille or legalisation request:

• Online: through the dedicated Notaires de France platform.

• In person: at one of the 15 regional councils or interdepartmental chambers that operate apostille and legalisation centres.

An apostille is usually required for the source document and not the translation. However, the requirements depend on the receiving authority. Before placing your order, check whether the receiving authority requires an apostille for the source documents, their translation, or both. Translayte can also help with apostille requirements when it’s required. Include the requirement in your order, and we will provide pricing and turnaround time.

Where are Sworn Translations Required?

In France, you may need a sworn translation for:

• Court proceedings: Submitting legal evidence, contracts, or judgments

• Notarial acts: Property sales, inheritance declarations, or powers of attorney

• University enrolment: Translating academic records, diplomas, or certificates

• Visa or residency applications: When submitting birth certificates, marriage licences, or proof of address

• Banking and financial services: Opening accounts or applying for loans

• Police reports or criminal records: When required by local authorities or embassies

Our sworn translations are accepted by:

• Ministry of the Interior

• Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs

• Civil Registration Office

• French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII)

• Local authorities and courts

• Universities and banks

• Foreign embassies in France

• French police departments
  

Documents That Require Sworn Translation in France

Depending on your purpose, you may need to submit a sworn translation of one or more official documents. At Translayte, we offer sworn translations from and into over 150 languages, including English-to-French translations. 

Here are some documents you may be required to get a sworn translation for in France;

• Birth certificate (acte de naissance)

• Marriage certificate (acte de mariage)

• Family record book (livret de famille)

• Civil partnership certificate (certificat de PACS)

• Divorce decree (jugement de divorce)

• Death certificate (acte de décès)

• Degree certificate (diplôme)

• Academic transcript (relevé de notes)

• School certificate (certificat de scolarité)

• Driving licence (permis de conduire)

• Passport (passeport)

• Identity card (carte d'identité)

• Criminal record certificate (extrait de casier judiciaire)

• Bank statement (relevé bancaire)

• Medical certificate (certificat médical)

• Company registration extract (extrait Kbis)

• Articles of association (statuts de société)

• Court judgment (jugement / décision de justice)

• Notarial deed (acte notarié)

• Will (testament)

What are the Requirements for a French Sworn Translation?

• Authorised Translator: A sworn translator (traducteur assermenté) appointed as a judicial expert and listed for the relevant language on a Cour d'appel list must complete and sign the translation. Translations by standard agencies, notaries public outside France, or foreign associations (such as the ATA or ITI) are not accepted by French authorities.

• Official Stamp and Signature: Every page of the document must bear the translator's physical or official seal/stamp, signature, and unique identification number.

• Certification Statement (Oath): The final page must include a formal signed declaration or oath (mention de certification) by the translator stating that the translation is a complete, faithful, and accurate reproduction of the original document.

• Physical or Digital Format: Depending on the receiving authority, you may need a paper or digital copy of the translation. We can provide any format you require.

• Apostille / Legalisation (When Applicable): Depending on the receiving country and authority, if it is part of the Hague Convention, you may need to obtain an Apostille or consular legalisation on the original document before it is translated.

Why Choose Translayte for Sworn Translations in France?

At Translayte, we make sworn translation simple, fast and secure. We work with translators appointed as judicial experts in France and provide an online ordering process for documents needed for official applications.

• French sworn translation expertise: Work with translators appointed as judicial experts in France for your language pair.

• Clear certification details: Your translation includes the relevant translator certification and identifying details for official verification.

• Easy online ordering: Upload your documents, select your language pair and requirements, and order online without visiting an office.

• Fast turnaround: Express delivery options are available, with turnaround times starting from 12 hours.

• Secure handling: We use security measures designed to protect your documents and personal information.

• Responsive support: Our customer support team is available 24/7 to help with questions about your order and requirements.