Certified · Sworn · Notarised
Official translations, accepted where you need them
Every country has its own rules for translated documents. Tell us where yours is going and we prepare the translation that authority asks for, signed and stamped by a translator it recognises.
- Right for the destinationCertified, sworn or notarised: the format the receiving authority requires.
- Fixed quote firstYou see the price and delivery date before you pay anything.
- Digital and paperA signed PDF by email, and the paper original by courier when it is needed.
What we do
Certified translation
For the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other countries where the translator certifies accuracy in writing.
How it works →Sworn translation
For Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil and other countries where only a translator appointed by the state or a court can sign.
How it works →Apostille guidance
We tell you whether your document needs an apostille or legalisation before it is translated, and in which order to do it.
How it works →Background checks
FBI and RCMP criminal record checks, fingerprinting and apostilles, ordered directly at Background Checks Abroad.
Go to Background Checks Abroad ↗
How to order
Send your documents
Fill in the order form and attach a scan or clear photo of each document.
Confirm the quote
We check the destination country’s requirements and email you a fixed price and delivery date.
Receive your translation
You get the signed translation as a PDF and, if required, the paper original by courier.
Requirements by country
What counts as an official translation depends on where you present it. These guides explain who may sign it and what it must contain.
United States
A complete English translation with a signed certificate of accuracy from the translator.
Read the guide →United Kingdom
A translation confirmed in writing by the translator or translation company as true and accurate.
Read the guide →Spain
A translation signed and stamped by a sworn translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read the guide →France
A translation by a translator registered as an expert with a French Court of Appeal.
Read the guide →Germany
A translation by a translator sworn in before a German regional court.
Read the guide →Italy
A translation sworn by the translator before an Italian court clerk, justice of the peace or notary.
Read the guide →Portugal
A translation certified before a Portuguese notary, lawyer or solicitor, or by a consulate.
Read the guide →Canada
A translation by a certified member of a provincial translators’ association, or one backed by an affidavit.
Read the guide →Australia
A translation by a translator credentialed by NAATI, the Australian accreditation authority.
Read the guide →Mexico
A Spanish translation by an expert translator authorised by a Mexican state or federal court.
Read the guide →Brazil
A Portuguese translation by a public translator registered with a Brazilian state board of trade.
Read the guide →United Arab Emirates
An Arabic translation by a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Read the guide →
Documents we translate most
- Birth, marriage and death certificates
- Criminal record and background checks
- Degrees, diplomas and academic transcripts
- Passports, ID cards and driving licences
- Divorce decrees and court judgments
- Powers of attorney and notarial deeds
- Company registry extracts and articles of association
- Medical reports and vaccination records
- Bank statements and tax returns
Common questions
What is an official translation?
It is a translation that a public authority accepts as a faithful version of the original document. Depending on the country it is called a certified, sworn or legal translation, and it carries the signature and certification of a translator that country recognises.
What is the difference between a certified and a sworn translation?
A certified translation carries the translator’s signed statement of accuracy and is the standard in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. A sworn translation can only be signed by a translator appointed by the state or a court, and is the standard in Spain, France, Germany, Italy and much of Latin America.
How do I know which kind I need?
The country and the office where you will present the document decide. Tell us both in the order form and we confirm the requirement in your quote before any work starts.
Do I have to send the original document?
In most cases a scan or a clear photo of every page is enough. If the destination country requires the translation to be attached to the paper original, we tell you in the quote.
Ready when you are
Send your documents now and get a fixed quote by email. You only pay once you accept it.
Order a translation