Frequently asked questions about sworn translations

A sworn translator is a translator who, based on their education and experience, has been sworn in by the court in one or more language pairs. When being sworn in, the translator promises to translate the text completely and correctly and to treat the text confidentially. In addition, a sworn translator is required to keep their knowledge up to date through continuing education. All sworn translators are listed in the Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (Rbtv). You will find me listed there as an English-Dutch and Dutch-English translator under Wbtv number 17654.

A sworn translation is a translation made, signed and stamped by a sworn translator, accompanied by the translator’s declaration testifying to the truthfulness of the translation (closing formula), a declaration which is physically attached to the source document.

A sworn translation is required when a translation must be legally valid. However, not all legal documents require a sworn translation. Generally speaking, you will need a sworn translation when the receiving agency explicitly requests it. This often concerns documents such as diplomas, instruments of the civil registry, articles of association and court documents.

The cost of a translation depends on many factors, such as size, quality and complexity of the text, the desired language pair, the deadline and whether the translation needs to be a sworn one. That is why it is essential that you submit the text in advance, so I can tailor the quote and there will be no unpleasant surprises for you afterwards.

A sworn translation is more expensive than a regular translation because additional requirements are imposed on both the translation and the translator. In addition to translating the text, all other elements of the original document (such as stamps and logos) must be described and the layout must be brought into line with the original as much as possible. Then there are a number of administrative actions, such as drawing up the declaration, signing, stamping and attaching together the original document, the translation and the declaration. Also, sworn translators are required to invest a considerable amount of time and money in continuing education in order to maintain their listing in the Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (Rbtv).

The cost of a translation depends on many factors, such as size, quality and complexity of the text, the desired language pair, the deadline and whether the translation needs to be a sworn one. That is why it is essential that you submit the text in advance, so I can tailor the quote and there will be no unpleasant surprises for you afterwards.

When requesting a regular (non-sworn) translation, please upload the source document in Word format using the contact form. If you do not have a Word file, this may also be a scan of a document, but not a photo (these are often too unclear for the text to be read correctly).

For a sworn translation, it is best to first check with the relevant authority whether the translation needs to be attached to the original document, or whether a copy (certified) is sufficient. Most agencies will accept a normal copy, so that you can simply email a scan (not a photo) of the original document using the contact form. However, some organizations want the sworn translation to be attached to the original document or a certified copy* of that document. In such cases, you will have to send me your original document or a certified copy by mail or registered mail or deliver it personally to my address (by appointment only).

* A certified copy can be obtained from a civil-law notary, a municipal office or the authority that issued the official document.

You will always receive regular (non-sworn) translations by email, but these can also be sent by mail or registered mail on request.

Sworn translations will be sent to you by registered mail. Because of the attached documents, emailing is obviously not an option. I can send you a digital version by email if you request one, but it is for your own use and has no legal validity. If you wish, you can also pick up the translation at my address (by appointment only).

The authority for which the translation is intended may, in some cases, require the signature of the sworn translator to be legalized as well. This can often be done by means of an apostille (at any Dutch court), but for some countries, it requires the completion of the full legalization procedure (through the court, then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and finally the embassy or consulate of the country of destination).

In this list, you can check whether the country for which your sworn translation is intended participates in the Apostille Convention. If the country is included in this list, an apostille (which you can obtain from any Dutch court) will suffice. However, if the country is not included in this list, you will need to complete the full legalization process.

If you wish, I can arrange an apostille and/or full legalisation for you. Please note that this involves extra costs and a slightly longer delivery time.

When I was sworn in, I undertook to treat all the texts entrusted to me as confidential. So I can answer this question with a resounding ‘Yes’

I am a specialist legal translator, so I can take care of the following for you:

Dutch-English and English-Dutch translations of:

• legal and court documents, such as agreements, general terms and conditions, notarial deeds, powers of attorney, judgments, summonses and legal correspondence
• official personal documents, such as diplomas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, certificates of good conduct, residence permits, wills, and adoption certificates.

You can also get in touch with me for revision, proofreading and correction of translations or texts.