Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before starting your translation project.
HOW TO OBTAIN A ‘TRADUZIONE ASSEVERATA’ (SWORN TRANSLATION) IN ITALY?
A sworn translation (traduzione asseverata) is a translation that has been formally sworn before an Italian court or a Justice of the Peace. During this procedure, the translator signs a declaration under oath confirming that the translation is a true and faithful rendering of the original document.
Sworn translations are commonly required when foreign documents must be submitted to Italian public authorities, courts, universities or other official institutions. They may also be requested when Italian documents are intended for use abroad, depending on the requirements of the receiving country.
As requirements vary depending on the authority and the country involved, it is always advisable to check in advance which type of translation is required.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APOSTILLE AND LEGALISATION?
A sworn translation is not the same as an Apostille or legalisation.
If your document is intended for use outside Italy, you may also need an Apostille or consular legalisation in addition to the sworn translation. Similarly, if a foreign document is to be used in Italy, the original document may first need to be legalised or apostilled before the translation is sworn.
As requirements vary depending on the authority and the country involved, it is always advisable to check in advance which type of translation is required.
The Apostille itself does not need to be translated.
An Apostille is a standardised certificate issued under the 1961 Hague Convention to authenticate the origin of a public document for use in another country. Because the format and content of an Apostille are internationally recognised, many authorities accept it in its original language without requiring a translation.
For this reason, the translation usually covers only the underlying document (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, court judgment or diploma), while the Apostille remains attached to the original document.
However, there are exceptions. Some authorities may specifically request that the Apostille also be translated, particularly if it contains handwritten annotations, additional remarks or information that is relevant to the receiving authority.
If you are unsure whether the Apostille must be translated, I recommend checking the requirements of the authority requesting the document..
The decision as to whether an Apostille must be translated is made by the receiving authority, not by the translator.
Do you guarantee confidentiality?
Yes. Documents and personal information remain confidential and are never shared with third parties.