Authorised Translator
It usually happens that you are asked by various authorities or companies, mainly foreign actors, to translate certain documents by an authorized translator. In the paragraph below, we tell you a little more about what an authorized translator is and what kind of help you can get from them.
Do you need the help of an authorized translator?
What is an authorized translator?
Authorized translator in Sweden
In Sweden, when a translator is classified as an Authorized Translator, it means that they have passed an official translation test provided by the Kammarkollegiet. If the translator passes the test, it means that they have extensive knowledge in that language, which means they can become a so-called authorized translator. Upon passing the test, the translator receives a special stamp issued by the Chamber of Commerce which has a translator number. With this translator number, the Kammarkollegiet can ensure that the translator has passed the translator exam. The translator is listed as authorized for the languages in which they have passed the translation exam, so-called authorization language. It can e.g. be to translate from German to Swedish or to translate from English to Swedish. It is most common for an authorized translator to specialize in a particular language, but there are also some translators who are authorized in several languages.
Authorized translator in other countries
Globally, there is no standardized certification process, but it can be different for each country. Most commonly, it is a special authority (Kammarkollegiet in Sweden) that provides translation tests that enable a translator to obtain the title of authorized translator. It may be important to be aware that some translators, especially from other countries, state that they are authorized translators even though this is not true. If you are unsure, always double check with the competent authority.
What does a certified translation mean?
When a document has been translated by an authorized translator, the document is provided with a special stamp stating that it is issued by the Kammarkollegiet. In the vast majority of cases, this stamp is not enough, but the document must also be certified by a Notary Public that the translator is indeed an authorized translator. The Notary Public does this by providing the translation with an Apostille. In this case, the translated document must be provided with an Apostille before it is translated. This is called having the document Notarized, or a so-called notarization.
Apostille on documents before translation
On some documents, the document must first be provided with an Apostille before a translator can translate the document. It may be about documents where the authenticity must be certified before the actual translation takes place. Always be sure to check so you know if your document needs an Apostille before or after it is translated. You can contact us if you are unsure and need advice.
Authorized translators of the Kammarkollegiet
The translators who have passed a translation exam and can classify themselves as authorized translators have a stamp issued by the Chamber of Commerce, which you often need on your document. Via this link, you can get help from the Authorized Translator.
Requirements from Banks for translation
It is common for banks and similar institutions to have special requirements for translations to be submitted to them. A common example is international payments regarding property purchases. In these situations, the bank wants to see a translated version of the purchase contract to confirm that the transaction does not contain elements of money laundering. The banks usually want the documents translated into English when the original documents are not in English.
Translators and translation that are not authorized
In many cases there are not authorized translators for certain languages, and in some other cases the translation does not have to be from an authorized translator either. Even in these cases, we can help you certify the authenticity of the translation so that the other party will accept your documents. Contact us if you want to know more about this.