What is the difference between a sworn translation and a legalized translation?

A certified (sworn) translation is performed by a translator enrolled on the list of sworn translators of the Court of First Instance. Practically speaking, the translator places his signature and name stamp on the translation. By doing so, he confirms that the text is a faithful translation and grants it an official character.

Sometimes one must go a step further and also legalize a certified translation. A legalized translation is a sworn translation which bears a stamp of the Court of First Instance declaring it legal. At the court the translator’s signature is compared to the signature on the list of sworn translators.

You can legalize a translation in two ways.

In the case of countries which signed the Hague convention of 1961, the court’s confirmation (an apostile) shall in some cases satisfy the instances of those countries.

In the case of countries which did not sign this convention, your documents have a longer way to go. Besides the court’s stamp, you will also need the stamps of Ministry of Justice, Foreign Affairs and the embassy in question.

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