All about apostille, sworn translation, notarization.

What is document legalization and why is it necessary?

Legalization of a document is a procedure that gives a document legal force for its recognition in another state.

That is, legalization нужна❗️для that a document issued in one state is valid in another state and can be submitted to official bodies or organizations of another state. Legalization confirms the authority, authenticity of the signature and seal of the official who issued the document.

The legalization requirement applies only to official, non-commercial documents

Is it always necessary to legalize documents for another state?

No, not always. In some cases, states may enter into agreements among themselves that completely eliminate the need for legalization of documents for recognition in those states.

Ways to legalize a document for submission to another state?

There are the following procedures for legalizing documents:

📌 Consular legalization

📌 Apostille (simplified legalization procedure)

📌 Legalization of documents through the Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Consular legalization is used for countries that have not signed the 1961 Hague Convention, which introduced the apostille procedure. Legalization of documents through the CCI is carried out for documents of commercial nature.

What is the difference between an apostille and notarization?

Apostille and notarization have different functions: an apostille is necessary for a document to be recognized in another state, while notarization is necessary to authenticate the details of a document (e.g., the translator’s signature).

What is a sworn (notarized) translation?

A sworn translation is an accurate and verbatim translation of personal documents, carried out by a specialist who has been authorized to do so by law. The fact is that it is not possible to have official documents translated by an ordinary translator. Documents in a foreign language are accepted in public institutions and many other official institutions in Poland or any other country exclusively with a sworn translation.

Who is a sworn interpreter?

A sworn interpreter 🤨 is a natural person registered in the National Register of Sworn Interpreters of the Ministry of Justice and authorized to certify his/her translation with a personal seal. Simply put, a sworn translator is a professional who specializes in translating official and government documents and is legally (administratively and sometimes criminally) responsible for the quality of the translated content. In order to be authorized to certify translated documents and become a certified professional, sworn translators must prove their qualifications and pass the relevant exam at the Ministry of Justice of their country. They then take an oath that they will faithfully and diligently do their job. Thus, the quality of the translation of these specialists is guaranteed at the state level.

When may an alien need to do a sworn translation of documents?

Often, sworn translation of documents may be needed in these life situations:

• Official employment.
• Enrollment.
• Receiving medical care for a chronic condition.
• Confirmation of disability.
• Confirmation of driver’s license.
• Court Appeal.
• Conclusion of marriage in the territory of the state of residence.

For the above or other issues, depending on the case, you may need a sworn translation of your birth certificate, certificate of attestation or basic education certificate with attachments, diploma, notary statements, medical documents, marriage certificate, driver’s license, etc.

Conclusion

Sworn translation is a necessary procedure in many cases. It is not difficult to make it, although you will have to pay for the services. This is already why it pays to understand the situation before the process, so that you don’t lose time and money on the wrong execution.