Certified Translation Services

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a certified translation?

  A certified translator meticulously translates all visible text in a document, guaranteeing precision, and thoroughness. It is specifically requested for official use, where certification is necessary to validate the accuracy of the translation.
  
  When submitting a document in a foreign language to a government or official institution, a certified translation is typically mandated. This requirement is prevalent when dealing with entities such as Citizenship and Immigration Services like the USCIS, universities, courts, and government agencies. The translator or translation company overseeing the translation process will include a signed statement confirming that the translation faithfully represents the original document.

• Certified, notarized, legalized, sworn translation – Which process should we follow?

  Each country has its own requirements, translators and processes for sworn translations. Hence, consulting legal authorities or our experienced account managers is advisable to determine the appropriate translation type for your specific situation. Moreover, a document’s legal validity hinges on agreements between the country of origin and the destination country, influencing processing times.
  
  At Seprotec, we offer expedited services to cater to diverse translation needs efficiently.

• Is a sworn translation in one country valid in another country?

  Translations conducted by sworn translators are typically officially recognized within the respective country. However, their acceptance abroad is contingent upon the requirements of the requesting authority in each specific case. A translation conducted in Spain by a Spanish sworn translator may not automatically be acknowledged in countries like Mexico or Argentina. Therefore, at Seprotec, we maintain an up-to-date database or sworn translators by country and we prioritize selecting a competent translator from the country where the document will be presented, ensuring acceptance local authorities.

• How long does a certified translation take?

  Certified translations usually require the original document or a pdf copy , which affects turnaround times. Any discrepancy between copies and the original can serve to invalidate the translation. The clock starts ticking upon receipt of the original, and any last-minute changes mean restarting the certification process from the beginning, impacting costs and timelines significantly. Providing the complete original upfront ensures that the translation team understands the lead times and deadlines clearly.

• What is an apostille?

  An apostille is a special stamp that verifies the authenticity of a document in countries that are part of the Hague Convention of 1961. Authentication is necessary for foreign documents requiring official translation, providing evidence to authorities in another country of the document's legality. Apostilles must be obtained from the origin country or embassy where the document originated.
  
  Official translators cannot issue apostilles. It is crucial to ascertain from the relevant authorities whether your document needs an apostille before sending it to your translator. If an apostille is added after translation, there will be additional costs for reprinting the document translated with the authentication information.
  
  If the country that requires the certificate is not a party to the treaty, there may be alternative methods to certify a translation, authenticate or legalize documents, such as special stamps or security features.