If you need a translation for official purposes, a government agency for example, the translation must be a legally equivalent document. This means that it has to be a certified translation by a sworn translator. A certified translation must be validated by a sworn translator, who affixes their seal, signature and translator’s declaration to it to certify that the translation is the legal equivalent of the original document.
However, a certified translation makes no claim as to the authenticity of the original document. To ensure that your original document is an authentic legal record, it must be authenticated by a notary public. If your document has not been authenticated, we will gladly implement this step for you as well. We can only provide authentication for original documents issued by Austrian authorities.
Different forms of certification are required depending on the country for which you need the translation, as a certified translation from Austria is not automatically valid in other countries.
We will of course be happy to find out which steps are necessary for your certified translation. Our certified translation services always include all the required steps.
We deliver certified translations as scanned files via our innovative online platform. If you need the document sent by post as a hard copy, please let us know.
Please note that we can only offer certified translations for our corporate clients.
Certified translations are only recognised by public authorities if they have been prepared by sworn court-approved translators. To become sworn translators, candidates must meet a number of stringent requirements and pass an exam set by the regional court. Translators who have a degree in interpreting or translation are required to provide proof of two years’ professional activity as a translator or interpreter.
Translators who do not have a degree in interpreting or translation must be able to prove that they have worked in this field for a minimum of five years.
Certified translators have to meet very high requirements. In addition to perfect command of both the source and target languages, they must demonstrate a sound knowledge of the legal and judicial system. The terminology and wordings used in the judicial system are very specific and formal factors must also be taken into account and fully complied with.
Translators who provide a certified translation are legally obliged to use the correct wording. By affixing their seal, they assume liability for the accuracy of the translation.
