The Difference Between Notarised Translation and Sworn Translation

Published: 11 September 2026 · Reading time approximately 5 minutes

The two terms are used interchangeably all the time, but they do not mean the same thing. Knowing the difference saves money both ways: it spares you paying for a notarisation you do not need, and it spares you having the document turned away for insufficient certification.

What is a sworn translation?

A sworn translator is a translator who has been authorised by taking an oath before a notary and whose oath record is held at the notary's office. At the foot of the translation they place their own stamp, their signature and a declaration as to the accuracy of the translation . In that form the document is a “sworn translation”; the notary plays no part in it.

What is a notarised translation?

A notarised translation is a sworn translator's translation that has additionally been certified by a notary. The notary confirms that the translator is a sworn translator registered in that notary's own records and that the signature is theirs.

The relationship runs one way: every notarised translation is necessarily a sworn translation, but not every sworn translation is notarised. Notarisation is an extra layer sitting on top.

The certification ladder

Depending on where a document is going, the steps to be climbed run as follows:

1. 1

   Sworn translation

   The translator's stamp and signature. For many institutions this alone is enough.

2. 2

   Notarial certification

   Public institutions, courts, the trade registry and civil registry procedures generally require this step.

3. 3

   Apostille

   Added where the document will be used abroad and the receiving country is party to the Hague Convention.

4. 4

   Consular certification

   Where the receiving country is not party to the Hague Convention, this chain applies instead of the apostille.

We have explained separately how an apostille is obtained and which documents need one: what is an apostille and which documents need it?

Which institution asks for which?

• Presidency of Migration Management (residence and work permits): usually notarised translation
• Directorates of population and marriage: notarised translation
• Trade registry and tax office: notarised translation
• Courts and enforcement offices: notarised translation; a sworn interpreter must also be present at the hearing
• Universities and private institutions: sworn translation is usually sufficient
• Documents to be sent abroad: notarisation + apostille

The definitive answer lies with the institution asking for the document. Putting the question “sworn or notarised?” to the relevant department before you start saves you paying twice.

Time and cost

A sworn translation can be completed the same day. Notarisation adds a further working day and an additional official fee; an apostille requires an application to another authority, so a separate day has to be added to the schedule. Because the amounts are updated every year we do not quote figures here; once we have seen the document we give you the fee and the timeframe together, in writing.

Common mistakes

• Starting work without asking what level of certification the institution requires
• Skipping the apostille step for a document going abroad
• Names and dates spelled differently from the passport
• Trying to have the translation done at one office and the notarisation elsewhere (a notary certifies the signature of a translator registered in its own records)
• Having the translation made from a photocopy and starting over when the original is required

We provide both services from the same office: sworn translation, notarised translation and apostille and consular certification.