Official legal translations of documents are done by our sworn translators, who certify the translation with their signature and official seal. You need a sworn translator if your documents are to be submitted to Estonian or foreign authorities, e.g. a diploma, a business register extract, a court judgment, or a notarial deed. A sworn translator does not usually interpret, as their professional competence is limited to written translation. A sworn translator may provide interpreting services outside the scope of their professional activities, but they are under no such obligation.
NB: Translations of documents valid in the Republic of Estonia can only be certified if the original document is available. This means that a document issued in a foreign country must be accompanied by an apostille or legalised (if issued by a consular department).
What is an apostille? You can find out more here: https://www.notar.ee/et/teabekeskus/apostillimine
What is legalisation? You can find out more here: https://vm.ee/et/avaliku-dokumendi-legaliseerimine
For more information on the professional activities of sworn translators, see the Sworn Translators Act (https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/122122020049) and the regulation on the specific requirements and procedure for sworn translators (https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/107022014012)
What do you need to know if you want to have your documents translated by a sworn translator?
Bring the original document or its (digital) copy to our office. Our project manager will provide you with a quote and agree on the deadline.
The client should decide/find out before placing an order for translation:
● whether the certification of the sworn translator is to be attached to the copy or to the original document. If attachment to a copy is requested, whether it can be a plain copy or should it be a certified copy.
● in which country the document is to be used.
● whether the documents to be submitted in that country need to be legalised, apostilled or neither.
However, if you cannot find the answers to all your questions, feel free to contact our office. Our sworn translators can advise you on matters relating to documents.