Certified (sworn) translation of official documents
In France, a certified translation is produced by a sworn translator registered with a court of appeal (traducteur expert judiciaire). The translator signs, stamps and certifies that the translation matches the original, giving it legal standing before public authorities, courts, notaries, universities and employers.
When do you need a sworn translation?
Whenever a foreign document has to be filed with a French authority, or a French document has to be presented abroad: residence permits, naturalisation, marriage, civil status transcription, university enrolment, diploma recognition, driving licence exchange, inheritance, court proceedings, company formation.
The receiving body usually states whether it requires a translator sworn in France or accepts a translation made in the country of origin. If you are unsure, tell us in your request and we will check with you before starting.
Documents we translate most often
- Birth, marriage and death certificates, family record books
- Diplomas, transcripts, enrolment certificates
- Criminal record extracts, certificates of no impediment and of custom
- Driving licences, ID cards, passports
- Divorce decrees, court judgments, notarial deeds
- Articles of association, company extracts, contracts, powers of attorney
- Medical certificates, payslips, tax notices
Format and turnaround
You receive the signed and stamped translation on paper by tracked post, usually with a signed digital copy in advance. Short documents (birth certificate, driving licence) typically take 2 to 4 business days; express service is available depending on the language.
For a quote, a clear scan or photo of each page is enough. Originals are only needed if the receiving authority asks for them or if an apostille must be added afterwards.
How an order works
Send your documents
A clear scan or photo is enough for a quote. Use the form, email or phone.
Get your quote
Fixed price, turnaround and delivery method within one business day. No obligation.
We handle the file
Translation, certification, apostille or legalisation: we follow every step.
Delivery
Signed digital copy and/or paper originals sent by tracked post.
Available in 50+ languages
- English translation
- Spanish translation
- Arabic translation
- German translation
- Italian translation
- Portuguese translation
- Russian translation
- Ukrainian translation
- Chinese translation
- Turkish translation
- Romanian translation
- Polish translation
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between certified and sworn translation?
In France both terms refer to the same thing: a translation signed by a translator registered with a court of appeal or the Court of Cassation, who certifies it matches the original.
Will the préfecture accept my translation?
Yes. Translations by a translator on a court of appeal list are accepted by préfectures, town halls, notaries, courts, OFII, ANTS and universities.
Do I need to send the originals?
No, a clear copy is enough for most translations. The quote tells you if the original is needed, for example when an apostille is required.
How much does a certified translation cost?
The price depends on the language pair, volume, layout and deadline. Send us the document and you will receive a fixed price within one business day.
Our other services
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Apostille
We obtain apostilles on French documents for countries that are party to the Hague Convention.
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Consular & embassy legalisation
Legalisation of your documents with the ministry, consulates and embassies for countries outside the Hague Convention.
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Document retrieval
We order civil status certificates, criminal records, company extracts and other official documents for you, in France and abroad.
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Interpreting
Sworn and professional interpreters for weddings, notary appointments, hearings, meetings and conferences, on site or remote.
Request a free quote
Every document is different, so we price your request once we have seen it. Reply within one business day.