Confusion is abundant when it comes to certified, notarized, or apostilled translations. This isn’t necessarily due to the procedures themselves but because many people don’t know exactly what kind of translation they need. Our colleagues Timea from Arad and Roxana from our Timisoara office are constantly running around town for signatures, stamps, and apostilles.
Having documents translated with a “stamp and signature” is essential in many fields, from business to studies and legal proceedings. There are three types of translations in this case, based on the final purpose of the documents: certified, notarized, and apostilled. Each type of translation has specific characteristics and particular requirements. Let’s look at each one.
Certified Translation
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is performed by a translator authorized by the Ministry of Justice, who certifies the accuracy of the translation with their signature and stamp. This type of translation is usually required for official documents such as birth certificates, diplomas, contracts, and other legal acts.
Who needs a certified translation?
Certified translations are necessary for individuals and legal entities who need officially translated documents recognized by authorities in Romania and other countries. For example, for enrollment in foreign universities (which may also involve notarizations) or for legal and administrative procedures upon request.
Timea Balta, from our Arad office
How is a certified translation done?
Timea, from our office in Arad, explains: “To perform a certified translation, the translator must be authorized by the Ministry of Justice. After translating the document, it is signed and stamped by the translator, thus certifying that the translation is faithful (or 1:1, more precisely) to the original.”
Notarized Translation
What is a notarized translation?
A notarized translation is essentially an extra step beyond the certified one. It involves notarizing the signature of the certified translator by a public notary. A notarized translation is necessary in situations where a certified translation is not sufficient, and the documents need increased legal validity.
Who needs a notarized translation?
Notarized translations are useful for individuals who need official documents for court presentations, at embassies, or for significant international transactions. For example, for international adoption procedures or for recognizing Romanian court decisions abroad. Official documents issued by state institutions can be notarized. Those issued under private signature cannot be notarized.
Roxana Felciuc, from our Timisoara office
How is a notarized translation done?
Roxana, from our office in Timișoara, details: “After the translation is done and certified, the translator presents the document to a public notary. The notary verifies the authenticity of the translator’s signature and stamp and adds a notarization note, which gives the document an additional level of validity.”
Apostilled Translation
What is an apostilled translation?
An apostille is an additional certification added to official documents under the 1961 Hague Convention for them to be recognized internationally. An apostilled translation is necessary for documents to be used in countries that are signatories to this convention. Only documents issued in Romania can be apostilled.
Who needs an apostilled translation?
Apostilled translations are particularly useful for individuals who need officially recognized documents abroad, such as for studies, work, immigration, or business. For example, a Romanian marriage certificate translated and apostilled is required to be recognized in many countries worldwide.
How is an apostilled translation done?
Timea explains: “The process begins with applying the apostille on an original document. Then, the authorized translation of the document follows. After that, the translator’s signature is notarized by a public notary. Finally, the translated and notarized document is apostilled by a notary. This guarantees the international recognition of the document.”
The apostille is applied at the request of the institutions where you submit the documents needed for your purpose. The document can be apostilled or not, upon request; it can also be used with just authorization or notarization, depending on the needs. This is why it is important to work with someone like Timea, who has been doing this for 10 years and knows exactly what to do when you present your case.
For translations with apostille from the court or prefecture, the apostille is applied before the translation on documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates or other documents issued by these institutions. The court applies apostilles on documents issued by the courts, such as court decisions or other similar documents.
Superlegalization
For all documents to be used in a country that is not part of the Hague Convention, we have superlegalization. This procedure is just as complex as apostille, so it’s best to work with a specialist in the field, like Timea or Roxana, to go through this process without any hassle.
Conclusion
Each client, depending on their needs, will choose between certified, notarized, or apostilled translation. Each type of translation has specific requirements and costs, and the correct choice depends on the purpose for which the translated document is used. Roxana and Timea, with their expertise, are here to guide you through this process and ensure your documents are correctly translated and recognized at the necessary level.
Email them here if you’re in Timișoara or here if you’re in Arad or any other city in Romania.
