Legal validity in Portugal and worldwide
Request a Free QuoteThe need for a certified translation is not always clear. Usually, the entity where you need to present the translation will be the one to request a certified, authenticated or sworn translation. The picture becomes more complex, however, when, in addition to finding the right certified translator for your needs, you must choose between a sworn translation, a certified translation or an authenticated translation. What are the differences between these?
At M21Global, we act in accordance with legal requirements and are positioned as a reference company for certified translations. We understand the importance of accurate and legally recognised translations. Our team of certified translators is available to guide the entire process, from what a certified translation means to identifying situations in which it is necessary.
In Portugal, although the most commonly used term is "certified translation", the expressions "authenticated translation" and "sworn translation" are also frequently encountered. All these terms carry the same connotation. Essentially, in our country, they are synonyms indicating the process of validating the authenticity and fidelity of the translation in relation to the original document.
A certified translation may be necessary in a variety of situations, including legal, academic, commercial or personal reasons, which sometimes overlap. Visa applications, immigration processes, job applications abroad, enrolment in educational institutions outside the country, judicial proceedings and international commercial transactions are some common examples.
This certification validates and attests that the information in the translation, in the target language, is correct and accurate in relation to the document in the original language. To be considered a certified translation, an official declaration from the translator before a notary or lawyer is required. This declaration confirms that the translated document is a faithful and accurate representation of the original, conferring legal validity upon it in the destination country.
The need to certify translated documents may arise in a private or business context. Certification of translated documents is required for official or legal purposes, encompassing documents such as birth, marriage and death certificates, contracts, academic diplomas, legal documents, among others.
A certified translation, whether for use in Portugal or abroad, is certified by a notary or lawyer. If the document is destined for a foreign country, the certification must comply with the standards of that country, which often implies the inclusion of the "Hague Apostille".
Physical certified translations are sent on the very day of their completion, by registered mail via CTT or DHL (for abroad). If you prefer, we can arrange courier delivery.
At M21Global, we have qualified translator-lawyers, capable of certifying translations. These are directly accepted in Portugal and, with the Hague Apostille provided by the Attorney General's Office, are also internationally recognised. When requesting the service, simply inform us of the destination country, and we ensure you will receive the certified translation, ready to use.
At M21Global, we use specialised translators who are native speakers of the target language to ensure the total reliability of the translation in relation to the original document. In all our translation services, we guarantee the specificity and rigour required for this type of translation.
We follow all ISO 17100 quality standards and as such we are a translation company certified by Bureau Veritas. In Portugal, thanks to our commitment to the highest standards, M21Global was awarded the distinction of being in the top 5% best Small and Medium Enterprises in 2023.
A certified translation is accompanied by an official declaration from the translator, guaranteeing that the translated document is accurate and faithful to the original. This certification is essential to demonstrate to official entities that the translated document corresponds exactly to the original document issued in the country of origin by an official entity. In many cases, government bodies, academic institutions and professional entities require a certified translation to ensure the authenticity and validity of the translated document.
A certified translation involves a professional translator who declares, in writing, that the translation is accurate and complete. The translator swears on their honour, before a notary or lawyer, confirming the fidelity of the translation to the original document.
In Portugal, unlike other countries such as Spain, there is no figure of a sworn or certified translator. Translations are certified before a public entity, such as a notary, lawyer or solicitor. Professional translators carry out the translation and subsequently present it before the public entity, which certifies, under the translator's oath, that the translation was made by them and conforms to the original.
To verify the authenticity of a certified translation, there must be a first page provided by the notary, lawyer or solicitor, signed and stamped, with the certified declaration of honour of the translator, swearing that the translation conforms to the original. In the case of lawyers and solicitors, there will also be a record on the last page, indicating that the certified declaration of honour was registered with the respective services of the Bar Association or the Order of Solicitors. It is also advisable to confirm whether the translator is qualified to carry out translations, namely whether they are a translator from a reputable translation company certified to ISO 17100, such as M21Global.
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