- 1. What Is an Official Translation?
- 2. What Is a Certified Translation?
- 3. Official Translation vs. Certified Translation – Key Differences
- 4. When Is an Official Translation (with Agency Stamp) Sufficient?
- 5. When Is a Certified Translation Absolutely Necessary?
- 6. Conclusion: Which Translation Should You Choose?
1. What Is an Official Translation?
An official translation is a professional translation produced by a qualified translation agency or a professional translator.
In many cases, the document includes:
- the translator’s or agency’s signature, and
- the stamp of the translation agency.
Important:
This type of translation is often sufficient for many administrative procedures, especially when the authority or institution does not require a certified translation.
Common uses for official translations:
- Job applications abroad
- Business documents
- Documents for insurance companies or banks
- Papers that are not legally binding
- Administrative procedures that do not require certification
Advantages:
- Faster
- Less expensive
- Professional appearance (with stamp and signature)
Limitation:
An official translation is less authoritative than a certified translation.
It is not accepted everywhere, because it is not produced by a sworn translator.
2. What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is produced by a sworn or officially appointed translator.
The translator confirms, using a stamp, signature, and certification statement, that the translation is complete and accurate.
Documents that almost always require a certified translation:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Diplomas and school transcripts
- Court documents
- Visa or immigration paperwork
- Notarised documents
- Police clearance certificates
Why is it required?
Because only a certified translation provides an officially recognised proof of accuracy – legally binding and admissible in court or official institutions.
3. Official Translation vs. Certified Translation – Key Differences
| Feature | Official Translation (signed & stamped by agency) | Certified Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition | Often accepted, but not guaranteed | Legally recognised |
| Stamp / Signature | Yes, but from agency/translator | Yes, from sworn translator |
| Legal status | Not legally binding | Legally binding |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical use | General admin, applications, business documents | Authorities, courts, international recognition |
4. When Is an Official Translation (with Agency Stamp) Sufficient?
An official translation is usually sufficient when:
- the authority does not require certification
- the documents are used for clarification (applications, insurance, business)
- the administrator confirms that a simple translation is acceptable
- the documents are not civil-status records (birth, marriage, etc.)
5. When Is a Certified Translation Absolutely Necessary?
A certified translation is mandatory when:
- an authority explicitly requires it
- the document will be used in court
- the document is legally relevant (birth, marriage, education)
- international recognition is needed (universities, visas, immigration)
6. Conclusion: Which Translation Should You Choose?
- For many administrative processes, applications, and general documents, a professional translation with the signature and stamp of a translation agency is fully sufficient.
- For legally sensitive documents, or when an authority requires it, a certified translation is essential and guarantees acceptance.
Golden rule:
➡️ If in doubt, ask the authority or institution whether an official translation with the agency stamp is sufficient, or if a certified translation is required.
