03. Sworn Translation.

What is a sworn translation?

A sworn translation is prepared by a translator sworn before the High Court of South Africa, who signs and seals the translation so that courts, Home Affairs, embassies and other authorities can rely on it. It is different from a certified translation, which carries our own signed statement of accuracy.

Sworn translation for Home Affairs, courts and embassies

Requirements depend on the receiving authority and the destination country. Some want a signed hard copy. Some also want a notarised document or an Apostille. Send us the authority’s instructions with your document, and your quote will spell out the signed translation, hard copy, courier and any Apostille or notarisation arrangements.

In South African court proceedings, Uniform Rule 60 means a document in a language other than an official South African language generally has to be accompanied by a sworn translation. See court order translation.

Documents we translate as sworn translations

Common sworn translations include:

• birth certificates and marriage certificates
• academic transcripts
• court judgments
• affidavits
• powers of attorney

The full list is on individual document translation.

Apostille, notarisation and delivery

Notarisation and an Apostille are separate from the sworn translation itself. They are included only when your quote says so. For documents going abroad, the route depends on whether the destination country is party to the Apostille Convention and on the receiving authority’s instructions. Our document pages explain the usual route for each document type.

How much does a sworn translation cost?

Certificates are usually priced per page and other documents per source word, with the price confirmed in writing before work begins. Any certification, hard copy or courier requirement is listed in the quote, so the quoted figure is the invoiced figure.

Frequently asked questions

• Is a sworn translation the same as a certified translation? No. A sworn translation is signed and sealed by a translator sworn before the High Court. A certified translation carries our signed statement of accuracy.
• Do I receive a paper copy? A sworn hard copy can be couriered. Your quote specifies the delivery format.
• How do I know if I need a sworn translation? Check the receiving authority’s instructions, or send them to us with the document and we will confirm before quoting.