What is the difference between a certified translation and a legalised translation?
A certified translation is carried out by a translator that is registered with the court of first instance. In practical terms this means that the translator stamps and signs your translation. This is confirmation that the text is a truthful translation and it gives it an official status. Sometimes the translation needs to be taken one step further and a certified translation also needs to be legalised. A legalised translation is one that is stamped by the court of the first instance so that the translation is given a legal status. The signature on the translation is compared at the court with the signature in the register of translators. Translations can be legalised in one of two ways. If a country is affiliated to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, a declaration from the court (an apostille) is acceptable for authorities in those affiliated countries. If the country is not affiliated to the Convention, then the documents have to go through a longer process. In addition to a sta
