Frequently asked questions about sworn translations and language services
01 What is a sworn translation (or certified translation)?
A sworn translation, also called a certified translation, is a translation performed by an officially accredited translator. This type of translation has legal value and can be used with administrations, courts, universities, consulates, or other official institutions.
In Belgium, sworn translators are accredited by the FPS Justice. They are registered in the national register of sworn translators and interpreters.
It is important to note that the rules regarding sworn translations may vary by country. Each state has its own requirements and procedures.
02 Is a sworn translation valid in all countries?
No, not necessarily. The rules regarding the validity of sworn translations differ from one country to another.
In Belgium, for example, authorities and official institutions generally only accept translations performed by sworn translators accredited in Belgium.
In some countries, authorities may accept translations performed by sworn translators from another country. However, the rules regarding the validity of sworn translations abroad vary depending on the countries and administrations concerned. In some cases, a translation performed in Belgium may be accepted as is, while in other situations an apostille, legalization, or translation performed by a locally accredited translator may be required. It is therefore always important to verify the specific requirements of the country in which the document must be used.
03 Are translations performed by Belgian sworn translators accepted in other countries?
It depends on the country in which the document must be used. In some cases, translations performed by Belgian sworn translators may be accepted abroad.
However, it may be necessary to obtain an apostille or legalization from the competent authorities or the consulate of the country concerned.
Each country applies specific rules. The Girolamo Translations team can guide you to determine the most appropriate procedure for your situation.
04 Does Girolamo Translations offer sworn translations in other countries?
Yes. Thanks to an international network of professional translators, Girolamo Translations can also refer you to sworn translators in other countries when necessary.
This solution can be particularly useful when the authorities of the destination country require a translation performed by a locally accredited translator.
05 How much does a sworn translation cost in Belgium?
The price of a sworn translation depends on several factors, including:
- the language concerned
- the length of the document
- the type of content (legal, administrative, technical, etc.)
- the desired deadline
Upon receipt of your document, Girolamo Translations generally sends you a personalized quote as soon as possible.
06 How long does a translation take?
The timeframe mainly depends on the type of document and the volume of text.
In many cases, translations can be completed within a relatively short timeframe. Speed is one of Girolamo Translations' priorities, and our team makes every effort to meet our clients' requests within the necessary deadlines.
Each project is analyzed individually to propose a realistic and appropriate deadline.
07 Can you also handle apostilles and legalizations?
Yes. Girolamo Translations can assist you with the procedures related to obtaining an apostille or a legalization.
These procedures can be complex and evolve regularly depending on the countries and authorities concerned.
We can handle apostilles and legalizations for translations, but also help you obtain the necessary apostilles or legalizations for your original documents.
Our team guides you to simplify these administrative procedures.
08 Which documents require an apostille or legalization?
Certain official documents intended for use abroad must be authenticated by an apostille or a legalization.
This may include:
- civil status records
- diplomas
- notarized documents
- judicial documents
As a general rule, documents from countries outside the European Union often need to be apostilled or legalized to be recognized in Belgium.
Within the European Union, some procedures are simplified and exemptions may exist, but this is not always the case.
09 How can I retrieve sworn translations?
Sworn translations can be retrieved in different ways:
- directly from our office in Brussels
- by electronic delivery (as needed)
- by postal delivery
Our team will advise you on the most suitable solution based on the type of document and the requirements of the administration concerned.
10 What languages do you offer translations in?
Girolamo Translations works with a network of professional translators covering a wide range of languages.
We can assist with monolingual or multilingual projects, according to the needs of our clients, whether individuals, businesses, or institutions.
11 Do you use translation tools or artificial intelligence?
Translation technologies and certain solutions based on artificial intelligence may be used for some projects, in agreement with the client.
Girolamo Translations notably uses a secure, GDPR-compliant professional platform, allowing for efficient management of certain types of linguistic projects.
However, translations are always carried out or verified by professional translators, to guarantee quality, accuracy, and linguistic consistency.
12 How can I send a document for translation?
You can send your document:
- via the website contact form
- by email
- by WhatsApp
After analyzing your document, we will send you a personalized quote as soon as possible.
13 Girolamo Translations peut-il gérer des projets de traduction complexes ou de grande envergure ?
For large-scale projects or specific requests, Girolamo Translations has a qualified team composed of specialists in translation, marketing, and linguistic technologies.
We can implement tailored solutions, particularly for large volumes of documents or regular collaborations.