CERTIFIED AND SWORN TRANSLATIONS OF DOCUMENTS
Certified translations of official documents (also called sworn translations) are required when communicating with the authorities, courts and official institutions both in the Czech Republic and abroad. A certified translator will provide these translations furnished with a certification clause, stamp and signature, thereby guaranteeing their accuracy and legal validity.
Typically, certified translations are required for public documents and deeds such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, copies of or extracts from registers or contracts, diplomas and medical reports. To make these, it is necessary to submit the original document or its officially certified copy, which is inseparably attached to the translation and the clause supplied by a certified translator.
Most frequently translated official documents:
- birth, marriage and death certificates
- copies of commercial registry entries and criminal record certificates
- contracts, powers of attorney, trade licenses
- tax returns, bank account statements
- certificates from tax offices and other authorities
- school reports, diplomas, student certificates
- medical reports, expert opinions and so on
Who is a certified translator and court interpreter?
A certified translator specializes in the written translation of official documents, such as contracts, deeds, rulings or other legal decisions. Their work requires precision and knowledge of legal terminology, including the differences between the legal systems of individual countries.
A court interpreter is a professional registered with the Ministry of Justice who provides oral interpretation during court hearings, notarial deeds or legal acts. These interpreters are distinguished by quickness of mind, ability to promptly analyze the speech and to communicate accurately with the parties to the proceedings.
How to request a certified translation and what to be careful about?
- Verify the requirements of a given authority or institution regarding the documents we are to translate
Before ordering a certified translation, find out the exact requirements of a the relevant authority or institution where you will be submitting your documents. Some authorities and offices require specific authentications of the original document or an officially certified copy thereof, such as complete and officially certified stamps and signatures (authentication). If the document was prepared abroad or is to be used abroad, authorities may require a higher level of authentication, such as an apostille certification. This step will ensure that your documents meet all formal requirements and are ready for translation. - Be sure to provide officially certified copies
If you need multiple copies of a certified translation or need to keep the original document, ensure that the required number of officially certified copies are made. We recommend that officially certified copies are made by notaries or notary candidates who are authorized to perform the certification of documents for their use abroad. Documents officially certified in this way can, if necessary, be subsequently supplemented with a higher level of certification, e.g. an apostille, which is not possible for documents certified at Czech POINT branches. - Check the requirements of the authority or institution regarding the translation itself
Some countries may require that the translation is made in a specific official language or that it be done by a translator certified directly in that country. If the target country accepts a certified translation done by a Czech certified translator, the office may in some cases require that his/her signature on the clause be additionally authenticated by a notary. - Send us an electronic version of the documents for review
Use our simple online form to send us an electronic version of the documents you want to have translated. Whether you have the documents in their original PDF format, a simple scan, or a legible photo, you can send them to us this way. Don't forget to include your translation requirements in the note. Based on the materials sent, we will quickly prepare a non-binding quote for you and recommend the best course of action. - Choose the form of certified translation – printed (hard copy) or electronic?
When ordering a certified translation, choose whether you need a hard copy or an electronic version of the translation. Hard copy translations are often required by government authorities, while electronic certified translations are ideal for quick digital delivery. Choose the format that best suits your needs and the requirements of your specific institution.
ELECTRONIC CERTIFIED TRANSLATION
An electronic certified translation is a modern and efficient alternative to traditional printed translations. This form is in compliance with Act No. 354/2019, which allows for the production of certified translations in digital form having the same legal effect as paper versions. The electronic translation is supplied in PDF/A format, furnished with a qualified electronic signature of the certified translator and a time stamp, which guarantee its authenticity for a minimum of 5 years. After expiration of this period, the validity of the translation can be extended. Electronic certified translations save you time and money and provide flexibility in document distribution. Before you decide on an electronic version of the translation, make sure that it is accepted by your target institution.
How does the electronic certified translation process work?
The certified translator translates the document and attaches the original electronic version plus an electronic signature clause to it. The finished translation is then delivered as a PDF via email or a data box, ensuring fast and trouble-free delivery.
Advantages of electronic certified translations:
- Time and cost savings – the translation is delivered electronically, there is no need to collect it personally or send it by post
- Increased security – the electronic signature and time stamp guarantee that it is impossible to modify the document
- Speed of delivery – the translated document is delivered to you immediately after translation
- Multiple use – the electronic version can easily be shared with multiple recipients
- Possible conversion – the translation can be converted into a hard copy using authorized conversion
What to be careful about with electronic certified translations:
- limited acceptance – not all authorities and institutions accept electronic certified translations
- authorized conversion – the clause certifying the authorized conversion from electronic version into a hard copy will always be made in the language of the country where the conversion was made, but it doesn’t have to be made in the language into which the translation was done
- validity of the document – the electronic translation is valid for at least 5 years; after expiry of this period, its validity needs to be renewed
How to submit the documents for translation?
- personally or by post at: Palackého třída 35, 612 00 Brno, map;
- by a courier service of your choice;
- for electronic version via e-mail at: translations@lingea.com.
Get in touch with us today
Do you need a reliable certified or sworn translation or a professional court interpreter? Our certified experts will ensure accurate and fast processing with attention to every detail. Your documents will not only meet all legal requirements, but will also facilitate seamless and effective communication in every situation. Contact us right away and acquire a solution you can rely on.