Navigating the world of legal translations can be complex, especially when dealing with official documents that need to be recognized by authorities. In Italy, this process involves what is known as a sworn translation. This blog post will guide you through the process of obtaining a sworn translation in Italy.

Understanding Sworn Translation

A sworn translation, also known as an asseverated or certified translation, is an officially certified translation that is recognized for its accuracy and completeness. In Italy, the translator first translates the document, then personally appears in an Italian court to swear an “Oath Statement”. This statement affirms that the translation is a faithful equivalent of the original text, and the translator assumes both civil and criminal responsibility for their work.

When is a Sworn Translation Required?

A sworn translation is necessary when the document to be translated is an official document that needs to be submitted to an Italian or foreign authority. The certified translation carries the same legal weight as the original document.

The Process of Sworn Translation

Step 1: Submitting Documents for Translation

Either the original document or its certified copy is mandatory for submission. Within Italy’s borders, a Notary or a town hall can provide a certified copy of the document, while international use may necessitate legalization or an apostille. Conversely, a foreign document that needs to be submitted in Italy should be legalized or apostilled in its country of issuance.

Step 2: The format of a Sworn Translation

A certified translation is a paper file that integrates the original document, including any necessary legalizations, followed by the translation, a statement of truth, and additional legalizations or an Apostille for foreign use. The whole file forms a unified document to be presented to the requesting authority. It is not possible to separate the various sections, such as submitting the translation only or keeping the original document separately. Moreover, the document must mirror the original’s layout closely, including everything that appears on it: stamps, signatures, administrative stamps, images, and logos. If there are notable sections of the document that hold no relevance for the recipients, these can be explicitly indicated and excluded from the translation. In Italy, translations must be conducted either from or into Italian. Certifying translations directly from one foreign language to another is not feasible; if this is a specific requirement, an intermediary translation into Italian is obligatory.

Step 3: Swearing an Oath

The statement of truth, detailing the person, language combination, and requesting party, is signed before a Court officer, who affixes necessary stamps. The translator assumes responsibility for accuracy.

Step 4: Legalization or Apostille

For documents intended abroad, legalization or an apostille is necessary. Once the document is legalized, it is ready to be delivered to the customer, who will then submit it to the relevant authority.

Cost of a Sworn Translation

The cost of a sworn translation can vary based on several factors. Here is a breakdown of the potential costs:

1. Translation Cost: This is determined by the length and format of the text;
2. Certification Cost: This includes the time required to prepare the file, materials, and the process of swearing the oath at the Court.
3. Legalization Cost: This covers the time spent on legalizing the document at the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
4. Duty Stamps Cost: This depends on the length of the document. In Italy, one 16 euro duty stamp is required by law for every 100 lines of translated text or every 4 sheets.

Please note that these costs can change. It is a good idea to get professional advice to make sure you are following the right steps.

Navigating the intricate landscape of legal translations requires expertise, particularly when it involves official documents that necessitate recognition by authorities. As a seasoned legal translator, I accurately translate your official documents so that Italian or foreign authorities can recognize them.

Engage my services today for a seamless translation experience.

Remember, precision in translation is paramount in maintaining the integrity of your documents. Let’s ensure accuracy together.

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