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In the context of growing immigration, overseas study, labor export, and international cooperation, legal procedures and international documents play a vital role in the approval process. One of the key requirements for having your documents accepted is Sworn Translation or Certified Translation, which ensures the accuracy and legality of the materials.
If the translation fails to meet the standards of the receiving authority, the likelihood of rejection is very high. Therefore, understanding the differences between these two types of translation will help you choose the right service and increase your success rate.
👉 See also: What is NAATI Certified Translation?
What is Sworn Translation?
Sworn Translation is the process of translating legal documents from the source language to the target language by a sworn translator. The translator declares the accuracy and truthfulness of the translation before a court or an authorized body.
- Scope of application: Mainly in European countries that use the Civil Law system such as Spain, Germany, France, Italy, etc.
- Characteristics: The translation is accompanied by the translator’s signature, seal, and a sworn statement.
- Purpose: Used in legal, administrative, or other procedures requiring evidentiary value.
Examples of documents requiring Sworn Translation:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Visas, residence permits, green cards
- Medical records
- Court judgments
👉 See also: What is ATA Certified Translation? Trusted International Service at Dịch Thuật Số 1
What is Certified Translation?
Certified Translation is the process of translating documents into another language, accompanied by a signed certification of accuracy issued by the translator or a translation company.
- Scope of application: Common worldwide, for legal, commercial, and personal documents.
- Characteristics: No requirement for the translator to take an oath before a court, but the translation must include a signed certificate, seal, and contact details of the translation provider.
- Purpose: Ensures accuracy for submission to schools, businesses, and international organizations.
Examples of documents requiring Certified Translation:
- Business licenses
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Commercial contracts
- Financial statements
👉 See also: Trusted and Valid CTTIC Certified Translation Services in Canada
Differences Between Sworn Translation and Certified Translation
| Criteria | Sworn Translation | Certified Translation |
| Who performs it | Sworn translator before a court | Professional translator or translation company |
| Legal value | High – often required by courts or government agencies | Sufficient for schools, companies, organizations |
| Scope of application | Limited to certain European countries | Common worldwide |
| Additional requirements | Signature, seal, and sworn statement before a court | Certificate of translation accuracy |
👉 See also: 6 Most Common Professional Translation Certifications
Challenges in Sworn and Certified Translation
The process of Sworn Translation and Certified Translation is not simply language conversion, but a combination of legal knowledge, linguistic skill, and the ability to work under pressure. Below are the main challenges translators face:
Absolute accuracy requirement
For legal documents, even the smallest translation error, incorrect word choice, or imprecise phrasing can lead to:
- Document rejection by the receiving authority
- Loss of visa, scholarship, residence permit, or commercial contract opportunities
- Direct impact on legal rights, even causing financial loss
Translators must ensure 100% accuracy in both content and formatting, from using correct technical terminology to maintaining proper document layout, punctuation, and structure.
👉 See also: Certified Translation – Accurate and Easy Submission
In-depth subject matter expertise
Documents requiring these services often cover fields such as:
- Legal: contracts, judgments, regulations, administrative papers
- Finance & commerce: financial reports, business licenses
- Education & healthcare: transcripts, medical records
Each field has its own terminology system, requiring translators not only to be proficient in languages but also to understand the legal systems and application contexts of each country. In Sworn Translation, this requirement is even stricter since the translation must comply with the host country’s legal standards and be admissible in court.
Tight deadlines
Most documents for Sworn or Certified Translation are related to administrative procedures, study abroad applications, immigration, or international tenders – all with strict submission deadlines. This demands that translators:
- Work quickly without skipping quality control steps
- Perform well under high pressure
- Coordinate efficiently with reviewers and clients to deliver on time
Professional Translation Services at Dịch Thuật Số 1
With over 16 years of experience, Dịch Thuật Số 1 is a leading provider in Vietnam of Sworn Translation and Certified Translation services meeting international standards. We have a team of native translators highly knowledgeable in legal, commercial, financial, and educational fields, with a professional, fast, and fully confidential process.
Benefits of working with Dịch Thuật Số 1:
- Absolutely accurate, legally compliant translations with free certification
- Online management platform: track progress, check quotes, and receive documents instantly
- Direct connection with international sworn translators to ensure global legal validity
- Absolute confidentiality and 24/7 client support
📌 Dịch Thuật Số 1 – Accurate, fast, and reliable translation solutions for all your international document needs. Contact us now for free consultation and a detailed quote!
Choosing between Sworn Translation and Certified Translation depends on your document’s purpose, the receiving authority’s requirements, and the legal regulations of each country. Understanding their differences will save you time, costs, and potential risks when submitting international documents.
