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.
Acceptance, delivery format and any additional authentication depend on the receiving authority and destination. Send us its instructions so that the quotation can specify the required signed translation, hard copy, courier and any applicable Apostille or notarisation arrangements.
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.
What you receive
Files prepared to the agreed format, with bilingual tables on request. The quotation will specify certification, delivery format and any additional authentication required.
Authentication
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.
Pricing
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.
Documents we translate.
Sworn translations of personal and official documents. Each guide explains what the receiving authority usually asks for and what to send us.
Birth Certificate Translation
Birth certificate translation for immigration, visa and civil registration use.
Police Clearance Certificate Translation
Police clearance certificate translation for visa, residence and employment applications.
Divorce Decree Translation
Divorce decree translation for remarriage, immigration and legal use.
Passport Translation
Passport translation for identity verification and official applications.
Languages we work in.
Language guides for South African and international languages. Our language directory lists 271 entries.
- Afrikaans translation
- Zulu translation
- Xhosa translation
- Sesotho translation
- Setswana translation
- Swati translation
- Ndebele translation
- Portuguese translation
- French translation
- German translation
- Spanish translation
- Simplified Chinese translation
- Traditional Chinese translation
- Arabic translation
- Dutch translation
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Request a sworn translation quote.
We quote in writing inside two business hours. The quoted figure is the invoiced figure.