Legal

You may require the services of our sworn translators (sworn in the High Court of South Africa) if you need a legal document translated for use in court or for other legal purposes. The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa requires sworn translations of documents used for permanent residency and citizenship applications and applications for overseas work permits may also call for sworn translations. A sworn translation must bear the stamp and signature of who is officially registered and therefore classified as a Sworn Translator. We are regularly asked for "certified", "official" or "legal" translations. For many of the individuals requesting the service, it is the first time that they have come across such terms and, as such, will need to fully understand what is being requested of them.
As a starter, you should always ensure that you verify the type of legalisation required for your translated documents prior to authorising the work as the level of legalisation varies depending on the nature of the document and the purpose for which it is being translated and legalised.
Certified Translation
A certified translation is the translation of a document which is typically required for official use by a non-governmental organisation. Translations are usually required to be certified by institutions such as universities, schools, insurance providers or potential future employers.
Legalisation /Apostille
This level of certification is required for documents which are to be used overseas with countries working in compliance with the Hague Convention. Examples of documents falling into this category include those supporting an overseas marriage, adoption, visa or job application. The process essentially involves the same steps as those for notarisation in which the original document would be needed. The documents resulting from this process are then sent to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The official acting on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office completes a final document which confirms that the Notary signing the notarisation had the authority in which to do so. This final document acts as proof that all legal avenues have been completed and that the authenticity of the document should not be contested.
Notarised Translation
Notarised translations are often required by formal governmental and legal bodies. The process of notarisation is more formal than that required for certification. Notarisation of translation involves the translator of the document/s or Iservice Translation attending the offices of a Public Notary and declaring both on oath and in writing that the translation is a true and honest translation. The Notary will then mark the translation accordingly with a certified stamp. It is often the case that original documents are required for this purpose. For this reason, you should always check with the body requesting the legalisation.

When you request a free, no-obligation quote, we will provide you with a detailed pricing quote.