You need to legalise a certified translation for your administrative procedures abroad? Although essential, this procedure can seem complex at first. In this article, I explain everything you need to know to successfully complete this crucial administrative procedure.
What is a legalised certified translation?
A certified translation is a document translated by a court-appointed translator whose authentic signature has been certified by the competent authorities. This double validation guarantees that your document will be officially recognised in the destination country.
Legalisation of a certified translation involves having the signature of the sworn translator authenticated by a French administrative authority, usually the prefecture or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Legalisation vs Apostille: what's the difference?
Before you start, it's vital to understand the difference between these two procedures:
Consular legalisation
La consular legalisation is required for countries that are not party to the Hague Convention. It involves several stages of authentication, sometimes at the consulate of the destination country.
The apostille
L'apostille applies to countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention. This simplified procedure involves affixing a special stamp certifying the authenticity of the document.
How to legalise your certified translation: the key steps.
Step 1: Check the type of legalisation required
Contact the organisation to which the document is addressed to find out whether :
- An apostille (Hague Convention countries)
- Consular authentication (other countries)
- No legalisation (European Union in some cases)
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Step 2: Prepare your application
Gather the following documents:
- The original certified translation
- The original source document
- An identity document
- Application form (if applicable)
Step 3: Choose the competent authority
For an apostille :
- Court of Appeal the translator's responsibility
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for certain documents)
For consular authentication :
- Prefecture of the translator's department
- Then the consulate of the destination country.
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Step 4: Submit your application
You can generally submit your application :
- In person
- By registered post
- By an authorised third party
- Online (for certain jurisdictions)
Timescales and costs
Processing times
Time limits vary depending on the authority and the type of legalisation:
- Apostille : 3 to 10 working days
- Consular legalisation : 2 to 6 weeks
- Urgent treatment: available at extra cost.
Average costs
- Apostille : 5 to 15 euros per document
- Consular legalisation : 15 to 50 euros (varies by consulate)
- Postal charges : for shipping
Special cases and exceptions
Documents for the European Union
Since 2019, the European regulation simplifies procedures between member countries. Certain documents translated by a sworn translator no longer need to be legalised. For your translations within Europe, I can advise you on simplified procedures.
Digital documents
With digitalisation, some authorities now accept legalised digital copies, but always check the specific requirements.
Practical advice to avoid mistakes
Before you start
- Contact the recipient organisation to confirm the requirements.
- Check the validity of your certified translation.
- Make sure that the translator is registered on the official lists legal experts
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During the procedure
- Keep copies of all your documents.
- Follow the progress of your application.
- Allow sufficient time for your deadlines.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not check the type of legalisation required
- Forget to attach the source document
- Underestimating processing times
What to do if you are refused?
If your request for legalisation is refused, there are several possible avenues of appeal:
- Check the reasons for refusal.
- Complete the file if any documents are missing.
- Call in another sworn translator if necessary
- Contact the competent authority for clarification
Alternatives and express solutions
Private legalisation services
Some specialist companies can take care of the legalisation process for an additional fee, but with considerable time savings.
Full service: simultaneous translation and legalisation
Some sworn translators offer to handle the legalisation of their translations themselves, simplifying the process for you. As a sworn translatorI offer this comprehensive service to help you save time and avoid administrative errors.
Conclusion
La legalisation of a certified translation is an important administrative step that requires preparation and rigour. By following the steps described in this article and finding out exactly what is required in your destination country, you will maximise your chances of success.
Don't hesitate to call on an experienced professional if your situation is complex or if you are short of time. A well-prepared approach will avoid costly delays in your personal or professional projects.
Need help with your legalisation formalities? Contact me at for a free quote and to benefit from my expertise as a sworn translator and interpreter in this essential administrative procedure.
