Definition: what is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translation produced by a translator officially listed as a judicial expert at a French Court of Appeal (Cour d'appel). This status is granted after verification of professional qualifications and the taking of an oath before the Court — which is why such translators are known in French as traducteurs assermentés (sworn translators).
What distinguishes a certified translation from an ordinary one is its legal value: the translator signs and stamps the document with their official expert seal, certifying that the translation is faithful and complete with respect to the original. The document then becomes admissible as an official exhibit before administrative authorities, courts, and public bodies.
Who can produce a certified translation in France?
In France, only translators listed as judicial experts at a Court of Appeal may sign a certified translation. This listing is not automatic: it requires submitting a full application, verification of qualifications and professional experience, and taking the oath.
A freelance translator or a translation agency — however competent — cannot produce this type of document. Their translations are perfectly valid for internal or commercial use, but are not accepted as official exhibits in administrative or judicial proceedings.
When is a certified translation required?
A certified translation is required in many situations, including:
- Applications for a visa, residence permit (titre de séjour), or French citizenship
- Marriage or civil partnership (PACS) involving a foreign national
- Recognition of a foreign degree or qualification (ENIC-NARIC, universities)
- Court proceedings involving foreign-language documents
- International estate settlements or cross-border notarial deeds
- Applications for regulated professions (doctor, lawyer, architect, etc.)
Why do people say "sworn translation"?
The term "sworn translation" is widely used in everyday language, but it is technically imprecise: it is not the translation that is sworn, but the translator. The correct term is certified translation, produced by a sworn translator — that is, a translator listed as a judicial expert at a Court of Appeal who has taken the oath.
This should not be confused with an apostille, which is an administrative procedure authenticating the origin of an official document between countries party to the Hague Convention — not a translation.