What is a sworn translation?

A sworn translation is the translation of a document carried out by a translator officially recognized by the State and registered on a list established by a Court of Appeal. The “expert translator-interpreter” stamps and signs the translated document, giving it the same legal value as the original.

This type of translation is generally required for official documents such as:

• Civil status records (birth, marriage, death)
• Diplomas and transcripts
• Court decisions
• Contracts and company statutes
• Notarized deeds for inheritance

Legal Framework

The profession of sworn translator is not governed by a professional order but by the status of judicial expert.

The legal basis is found in the Code of Civil Procedure (Articles 232 to 248) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Articles 157 and following), which provide for the use of experts when the judge requires specific technical skills, including translation.

The registration of translator-interpreters is governed by Decree No. 2004-1463 of December 23, 2004, relating to judicial experts.

Each year, a national list is published in the Official Journal, but each Court of Appeal manages its own registrations and renewals.

The expert translator takes an oath before the Court of Appeal upon registration, hence the term “sworn translation.”

How to become a sworn translator

Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific mandatory diploma to become a sworn translator in France. However, candidates must demonstrate their language skills, experience, and integrity.

The procedure includes:

• Submitting an application to the Public Prosecutor
• Review of the file by a commission
• Possible registration on the Court of Appeal’s list for a five-year probationary period
• Taking the oath before the court

At the end of this period, the expert may apply for permanent registration, renewable every five years.

Why is it essential?

Authorities and courts require sworn translations to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of documents. A simple translation, even by a qualified professional, does not carry this official value.

For example, to submit a marriage application with a foreign spouse, the civil registrar will require documents translated by a sworn translator. Similarly, a French university may demand a certified translation of a foreign diploma for student enrollment.

Conclusion

Sworn translation is a key element in the movement of people and goods in a globalized world. In France, it is based on a precise legal framework, guaranteed by the intervention of judicial expert translators registered with the Courts of Appeal.

For any administrative or legal procedure involving foreign documents, it is therefore essential to use a sworn translator. The list of experts can be consulted on the websites of the Courts of Appeal or in the Official Journal.

When a French official document needs to be presented abroad, one key question almost always arises: how can its authenticity be guaranteed? To address this issue, the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, also known as the Apostille Convention, established a simple and universally recognized mechanism: the apostille.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is an official certification that confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document has acted, and, where appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp affixed to a public document.
It does not validate the content of the document, but solely its formal authenticity. In practice, it takes the form of a stamp or an additional page attached to the document, bearing the heading “Apostille – Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961.”

In France, the apostille regime is governed by Decree No. 2007-1205 of 10 August 2007 on apostille and legalization, which implements the 1961 Convention. The apostille replaces the lengthy and complex process of diplomatic or consular legalization.

Which documents can be apostilled?

The apostille applies to public documents within the meaning of the Convention, including:

• civil status records (birth, marriage, and death certificates);
• judicial decisions (judgments, rulings);
• notarial acts;
• diplomas issued by public institutions;
• certain administrative documents (certificates, extracts from criminal records, etc.).

By contrast, documents drawn up by private individuals or of a commercial nature (such as invoices) do not fall within the scope of the apostille and require other forms of certification.

Which authority is competent in France?

Since the 2007 reform, French Courts of Appeal are competent to issue apostilles. Anyone may apply to the registry of the Court of Appeal in whose jurisdiction the public document was issued. The procedure is free of charge and relatively quick.

It should be noted that some documents issued by the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs may be handled by specific services.

Which countries recognize the apostille?

The apostille is valid only in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961. Today, more than 120 States recognize this system, including:

• In Europe: nearly all EU Member States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Norway…
• In the Americas: the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile…
• In Asia-Pacific: Japan, Australia, India, South Korea, New Zealand…
• In Africa: South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Botswana, Cape Verde…

The complete and up-to-date list of States parties is available on the official website of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH).

For non-signatory countries, however, the traditional process of diplomatic and consular legalization remains necessary.

Why is the apostille important?

The apostille is a key tool for simplifying international procedures for citizens, businesses, and public authorities. It facilitates global mobility by significantly reducing administrative burdens. A student enrolling at a foreign university, a couple marrying abroad, or a company signing a contract outside France can have their official documents recognized quickly and securely.

In short, the apostille perfectly illustrates the commitment of States to simplify international exchanges while ensuring legal certainty. To determine whether a document requires an apostille, it is always essential to check two factors: the nature of the document and the status of the destination country in relation to the Hague Convention.