TRANSLATION OF QUALIFICATIONS

Simple, certified or sworn translation? Pay attention to the distinction
There are different levels of translation, with different purposes and legal value:

• Simple translation: has no legal value, can only be used for information purposes.

• Certified translation: signed by the translator, useful in some countries or for some purposes, but has no official value in Italy.

• Sworn translation: carried out by a qualified translator and sworn in court; it has legal value and is the only one accepted by Italian or foreign public bodies when formally requested.

If you are unsure what type of translation you need, it is important to check directly with the recipient organization.

For some qualifications or certificates, a sworn translation may not be sufficient for recognition by foreign authorities, universities or professional associations.

In certain cases, in fact, the recipient authority requires that the original documents (and sometimes also the translation) be accompanied by legalisation or apostille.

It is always advisable, before starting the translation procedure, to contact the recipient institution directly (university, foreign office, professional association, etc.) to verify:

• Documents to be submitted

• If a sworn translation, a certified translation or a simple translation is required

• If legalisation or Apostille of the original document, translation or both is required

This preliminary step avoids unnecessary delays, additional costs and the risk of the documentation being rejected. There is no general rule that applies to all cases: the same type of document may be subject to different requirements depending on the country, institution and purpose for which it is submitted.