Sworn Translation: What It Is, When It Is Required and How It Works

The certified translation process involves several steps. First, the translator receives the document to be translated and carefully analyzes it to understand the context and the required specifications. Next, the translator proceeds with the actual translation, ensuring consistency with the original and using clear, understandable language.

Once the translation is complete, the translator goes to the Court or Justice of the Peace Office. There, they sign the affidavit before a public official. They then certify that the translation is accurate and accurately represents the original document. Once the translation is complete, it is registered by the Sworn Translation Office and becomes an official translation.

 

WHEN IS A SWORN TRANSLATION REQUIRED?

A sworn translation is required whenever a document must have official or legal validity.

Common cases include:

• birth, marriage and divorce certificates

• citizenship applications

• court documents and legal proceedings

• academic qualifications (diplomas, degrees)

• contracts and official documents

It is typically required for submission to Italian authorities, but may also be required abroad depending on the destination country.

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IMPORTANT: USE IN ITALY AND ABROAD

The legal validity of a sworn translation depends on the country where the document is used.

In Italy, sworn translation (asseverazione) gives legal value to the document
For use abroad, additional procedures may be required

These may include:

• apostille (for countries adhering to the Hague Convention)

• legalization (for non-Hague countries)

Requirements vary depending on the destination authority.

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SWORN VS CERTIFIED TRANSLATION

It is important to distinguish between different types of translation:

Sworn translation (asseverata) → has legal value
Certified translation → confirms accuracy but may not have legal value

For official purposes, sworn translation is often required.

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Revenue stamps
The law requires the application of revenue stamps on sworn translations. The cost is one €16 revenue stamp for every four pages of translation (or for every 100 lines of text). However, the method of calculation may differ from court to court, as each court adopts its own internal practice. This practice may take into account, for example, the number of lines or pages.

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Some courts also include the sworn statement in the count, while others may apply an additional stamp duty just for that statement.

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An important aspect to underline is that the stamp duty is applied only to the translation and not to the original, unless the tax is also required for the original document, for specific reasons related to its destination.

 

Stamp Duty Exemptions
Not all certified translations are subject to stamp duty. Italian law provides for various exemptions depending on the intended use of the translation.
Full details of the exemptions are provided in Presidential Decree no. 642/1972, specifically in Annex B, Exemption Table. For detailed information, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

 

To obtain a certified translation, follow these instructions:

 

1. INDICATE THE TYPE OF DOCUMENT TO BE TRANSLATED, THE DESTINATION COUNTRY AND THE REQUIRED DELIVERY DATE

2. SEND A SCAN OR PHOTO OF THE DOCUMENTS

3. GET A QUOTE

4. SEND THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OR A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE DOCUMENT

6. RECEIVE THE TRANSLATION (you can collect it from our office or have it delivered by courier, both in Italy and abroad)