About sworn translators

A sworn translator is the holder of an office in public law who is, similarly to a notary public, empowered by the state to certify, to the extent specified in his or her professional certificate, the correctness of translations of documents translated by the translator himself or herself or by another person, the authenticity of copies of such translations and the authenticity of copies of documents to be translated. A sworn translator is allowed to provide other translation services as well.
A person who wants to become a sworn translator must take an exam the requirements and the procedure of which are established by the Minister of Justice. The Minister of Justice appoints a person who has passed the examination to office and issues a professional certificate to him or her. Prior to that, the applicant must take an oath of office before the Minister of Justice.

Why prefer a sworn translator to a notary?

• Unlike a notary, who authenticates only the signature of a translator and does not verify the contents of the translation, a sworn translator certifies the authenticity and correctness of the content of a translation. Thus in “notarized translations” the translations themselves are not notarized, just the signatures.
• Faster service than in a notary's office.

Why prefer a sworn translator to other translators?

• Quality – the skills and suitability of a sworn translator have been certified by the state.
• Liability – the professional liability of a sworn translator for the damage caused by the sworn translator has been provided by law.
• Faster service – in an ordinary translation agency documents are taken to a notary public for authentication after they have been translated, but a sworn translator authenticates his or her translations personally.