Certified vs Sworn Translation: What Receiving Authorities Actually Require
English-speaking systems mostly use certified translation, while civil-law countries appoint sworn translators before a court. Asking for the wrong one wastes a full cycle, because the receiving office will not read the file at all.
In short
A certified translation carries a signed statement of accuracy from the translator or agency and is standard for the UK, Australia, the US, Canada and most Thai government use. A sworn translation is issued by a translator sworn in before a court in countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Poland, and carries the sworn translator's personal seal.
Side-by-side comparison
| Criterion | Certified translation | Sworn translation |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | A professional translator or agency signing a statement of accuracy | A translator sworn before a court or ministry in the destination country |
| Typical destinations | UK, Australia, US, Canada, Thai agencies | France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Brazil |
| Court status | No inherent legal standing, accepted by practice | Carries legal standing in the issuing jurisdiction |
| Turnaround | Usually on a timeframe confirmed after document review | Longer, depends on the sworn translator's calendar |
| Can it be legalised afterwards | Yes, via MFA and the embassy | Often unnecessary within the issuing country |
| Cost driver | Word count and document type | Sworn translator tariff, often fixed per page |
| Digital delivery | Signed PDF widely accepted | Many courts still require a wet seal |
| Risk if you choose wrong | Rejected by civil-law registries | Overspending where a certified file was enough |
Choose Certified translation when
- Visa or immigration filings in the UK, Australia, Canada or the US
- University admission where the school asks for a certified English translation
- Thai government submissions that require an accuracy statement
Choose Sworn translation when
- Court filings, notarial deeds or civil registry records in continental Europe
- The instructions use the words traducción jurada, traduction assermentée or beeidigte Übersetzung
- A foreign lawyer has asked for a translation with a sworn translator's seal
Frequently asked questions
- Is a notarised translation a third category?
- Yes. Notarisation attests the translator's signature, not the accuracy of the text, and it is often added on top of a certified translation when a bank or registry asks for it.
- Can you supply sworn translations for Europe?
- We coordinate with sworn translators in the destination jurisdiction and handle the Thai-side documents, legalisation and courier so the file arrives complete.
- Which one do Thai immigration offices accept?
- A certified translation with the translator's statement is the normal standard, and some offices additionally ask for MFA legalisation of the Thai text.
- How do I check before ordering?
- Send the receiving authority's checklist to LINE @NAATI. We map the wording to the correct product and quote only what the file needs.
Not sure which route your document needs?
Send scans and the receiving authority's checklist on LINE @NYC168 or by email, and our team will confirm the correct route and a written quote before any work starts.
Official sources — document translation
The information on this page follows the official sources below. Always check the latest version before you file.
- Department of Consular Affairs — document legalisation— Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Legalization e-Service appointment system— Department of Consular Affairs
- Ministry of Justice— Ministry of Justice
- ISO 17100 — Translation services requirements— ISO
- USCIS — certified English translation requirement (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3))— USCIS
- UK Home Office — certified translations for visa applications— GOV.UK
Related services
Most document work runs across several steps — jump straight to the next one you need.
- Sworn translation
- NAATI translation
- Consular legalization
- Notary Public
- Interpreting services
- Full service index
Contact us by phone, LINE or email for a free initial enquiry and a quote after document review. Timing depends on the work and relevant authorities.
General information before proceeding: Confirm current requirements with the receiving authority before using your documents. This page is not a legal opinion for your individual case — meet the team · editorial policy
Not sure which service you need? Read the guides
Each guide answers first, then explains: decision criteria, comparison tables, the real process and the mistakes we see most often.
- Choosing a certified translation provider
How to pick a translator accepted by consular, embassy and receiving bodies
- Services for expats living in Thailand
Signature certification, residence, marriage and everyday paperwork
- Notary Public and consular legalization
The correct order of steps before sending documents abroad
- Choosing the right visa and work permit
Compare visa categories and the documents each one needs translated
- Translation by language
English, Chinese, Japanese, European, Arabic, Russian and embassy rules
- Specialized translation
Contracts, financial statements, MSDS, ISO and BOI filings
Talk to us first: 083-2494999 · LINE @NYC168 · contact@nyclegal.co.th