Certified Translation: What it is and how it differs from a sworn translation.
When translating documents, it's common to have questions about the difference between Certified Translation and Sworn Translation. Despite the similar names, these types of translations have important differences, especially regarding legal recognition.
What is certified translation?
Certified translation is a translation accompanied by a statement from the translator or the company responsible, confirming that the translated content is faithful to the original document.
It may be accepted in specific situations, usually in academic or administrative processes, provided that the destination institution expressly authorizes this type of translation. This acceptance functions as a concession, not as a legal rule.
What is the difference between a certified translation and a sworn translation?
Sworn Translation is the only type of translation that has public faith and legal value in Brazil, as it is carried out by translators who have passed a public examination and are authorized by the Boards of Trade. For this reason, it is required in official processes, such as validation of studies, immigration, visas, and presentation of documents to public bodies.
Certified Translation, in turn, does not replace Sworn Translation in these cases, and can only be used when the responsible institution confirms its acceptance beforehand.
WHICH OPTION TO CHOOSE?
Whenever there is doubt or when the document is part of a formal process, a sworn translation is the safest option. Certified translation should only be considered in specific and previously confirmed contexts.
At Tradução das Letras, we analyze each case individually to guide our clients in the most appropriate and secure way.
Still unsure which type of translation to choose?
Learn more about sworn translations and understand when they are required in official processes.
