Sworn Translations in Italy

Sworn Italian Translations

If you're presenting a non-Italian document as part of an official application in Italy, then you will be asked to provide a sworn Italian translation.

We explain how you can get one below.

English to Italian Translation Services 

If you're presenting an English document as part of a government, embassy or institutional application in Italy, then you'd be asked to present a sworn translation.

Our Italian translation services focus on providing high-quality, sworn translations, which are ideal for official documents that need to be accepted by authorities. Alongside sworn translations, we offer other translations, ensuring that your content is accurate and conveyed in Italian. 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 Italian-speaking audiences.

Official Translation Requirements in Italy

All foreign documents (that are not issued in Italian) that will be used as part of an official application within Italy need to be translated into Italian. For the translation to become official, it needs to be “asseverated”. The asseverated translation, popularly known as a sworn translation, includes a declaration from the translator, taking responsibility for the translated text, with a statement of oath. Any false declarations made under oath are punishable under the Italian Penal Code.

Documents that Require Sworn Translation in Italy

When it comes to official procedures in Italy, certain documents require a sworn translation to have legal validity. This section describes the types of documents that usually require a sworn translation carried out by a sworn translator recognized by the authorities. We also translate more than 70 languages, such as sworn English to Italian translations of various documents.

Legal documents

• Judicial rulings: Essential for litigation or judicial procedures in which several countries are involved.
• Notarial acts: Vital for international real estate transactions or inheritance matters.

Personal documents

• Birth certificates: Necessary for nationality applications, marriage registration or other civil status processes.
• Marriage certificates: Necessary for marital visa applications, divorce proceedings or name change applications.
• Death certificates: Important for inheritance processes, insurance claims or repatriation of mortal remains.

Academic documents

• Degrees and transcripts: Essential for students applying for a place at Italian universities or professionals looking for job opportunities in Italy.
• Professional titles: Necessary for people who intend to practice regulated professions in Italy.

Commercial documents

• Contracts and agreements: Important for international trade, partnerships and corporate legal matters.
• Commercial Registry: Necessary to establish a business presence or participate in bidding processes in Italy.

Official and government documents

• Immigration documents: Essential for residency applications, nationality processes or long-term visas.
• Criminal record certificates: Necessary for employment, residency or citizenship applications.

Sworn Translation Process in Italy

For translators to attain the ‘sworn’ status in Italy, they have to meet one or more of the following requirements:

• They must be fluent in at least 2 languages, on a native level. This language pair includes Italian and any other language of their choice. 
   
• They must have been appointed by the Italian Chamber of Commerce.
   
• They must be enrolled with the “Albo dei Consulenti Tecnici - REGISTER OF TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS (CTU)” or the "Albo dei Periti - Single Register of Industrial Experts and Graduate Industrial Experts" in the city where they live.
   
• They may also be members of an accredited professional translator association.

The translator goes in person to an Italian court and signs the “Oath Statement” in which they swear to have faithfully and in good faith, translated the document and assume civil and criminal liability for their work.

In order for an Italian translation to be sworn, the documents presented must be bound as follows:

• Original text (or a true copy of the original document)
• Translated text
• Statement of oath (signed by the translator)

The translation is then supplemented by the signature of the Judicial Secretary.

Note: Translations cannot be sworn if they are translated from one foreign (non-Italian) language to another foreign (non-Italian) language. Sworn translations must be from or to an Italian text.

When will Translation Done by a Sworn Translator be Required in Italy?

There are numerous situations when a translation done by a sworn translator is necessary to fulfil Italian requirements. Some common examples include:

1. Immigration applications: When applying for a visa or permanent residency, you must provide sworn translations of key documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police clearance certificates.
    
2. Academic applications: When applying to an Italian university or college, you may need to submit sworn translations of your transcripts, diplomas, and other relevant academic documents.
    
3. Legal matters: In court proceedings and other legal matters, sworn translations of documents like contracts, affidavits, and witness statements are often required to ensure their validity and credibility.
    
4. Employment: If you're seeking employment in Italy, you may need to provide sworn translations of your employment history, references, and qualifications to prospective employers.
    
5. Medical and insurance purposes: In cases where you need to provide medical records or insurance documents, sworn translations may be necessary to ensure the information is accurate and easily understood by all parties involved.

Sworn Italian translations with Apostille

If a sworn Italian translation is to be used abroad, then the signature of the Judicial Official on the translation will need to be legalised at a Public Prosecutor’s Office within a local court. 

In practice, the notary official countersigns the report of the oath of the translator. If the country of destination of the translated document is among the States that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961, the Hague Apostille must be attached to the translated document. If the country is not a signatory to this Convention, the Italian authorities will proceed to the simple legalisation of the document.

How to Get a Sworn Italian Translation in Italy

Translayte works with an extensive list of sworn Italian translators that are qualified to translate from most languages into Italian. We can provide sworn Italian translations that are accepted by any of the following agencies and organisations in Italy:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of the Interior
• Agency of Revenue
• Ministry of Education, Universities and Research

Our sworn translations are also accepted by Universities, Banks, Police, Courts, and Italian Embassies globally.

Legalised Translations for use in Italy

If you dont live in Italy or can not find a sworn translator in Italy for your document, you can get something called a ‘legalised translation’ for official use in Italy.

A legalised translation is an official translation that can be produced in your home country, which is then legalised by a competent authority and affixed with an Apostille. An Apostille makes the translation recognised in any country that is party to the Hague Convention. 

We recommend that you check with the body that will be receiving your documents, to ensure they can accept a legalised translation into Italian before requesting one. While some Italian Embassies may accept legalised translations, we cannot guarantee that all authorities in Italy will accept it.

Why Should You Choose Translayte for Sworn Translations?

At Translayte, we understand that accurate and efficient translation is crucial to your success. Our commitment to excellence, our experienced team of professional linguists, and our dedication to customer satisfaction set us apart from other translation companies.

• Expertise: Our team consists of highly skilled and experienced translators, editors, and proofreaders who specialize in a wide range of industries and languages. We guarantee precise translations that capture the nuances and subtleties of your original content.
   
• Quality Assurance: We follow a rigorous, multi-step quality assurance process, including multiple rounds of proofreading and editing to ensure your translations are accurate, clear, and culturally appropriate.
   
• Fast Turnaround: We understand the importance of meeting deadlines and are committed to delivering your translations on time, without compromising quality. We offer flexible turnaround times to suit your project needs and can accommodate urgent requests.
   
• Confidentiality: We take data privacy and security seriously. All our team members are bound by strict non-disclosure agreements, and we implement the latest encryption technologies to protect your files and information.
   
• Personalized Service: We value our clients and are dedicated to providing personalized attention to each project. Our responsive customer support team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and answer any questions you may have.