A sworn translator is a professional registered on an official list of a Court of Appeal or recognized by a competent authority. They have taken an oath and are authorized to produce translations with legal value. Their translations are certified as faithful to the original with their seal and signature and are accepted by administrations, courts, prefectures, universities, notaries, and foreign authorities.

In France, the legally correct term is sworn translator, referring to a translator who has taken an oath before a Court of Appeal. Terms like certified, approved, or official are commonly used to describe the same type of service: an official translation recognized by authorities. In practice, these terms all refer to a translation done by a sworn translator.

A sworn translation, also called a certified translation, is an official translation made from the original document. It includes the sworn translator’s signature and seal and may be linked to the original with the mention «ne varietur.» This certification confirms the accuracy of the translation and gives it legal value in France and abroad.

A sworn translation is required when foreign documents must be presented in an official or legal context. Common situations include administrative procedures, legal cases, nationality or naturalization applications, marriages, inheritances, diploma recognition, visa applications, and dealings with embassies or consulates.

A sworn translation is carried out by a translator registered with a Court of Appeal and has general legal value for all administrative and legal procedures in France and abroad.

A CESEDA translation is required specifically for procedures under the Code of Entry and Stay of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum (CESEDA). It must be performed by a sworn translator or a translator authorized for asylum and immigration procedures.
CESEDA translations are valid only for CESEDA-related procedures and cannot be used for other legal or administrative matters.

The cost depends on several factors: language, volume and complexity of the document, deadline, and any additional services (urgent delivery, legalization, apostille). A personalized quote is usually provided after reviewing the document.

The salary varies depending on:

• the volume and complexity of the documents
• the type of translation (legal, administrative, technical, medical, financial…)
• the language
• the status (freelance or employed by a translation company)
• the deadline

Freelance sworn translators usually charge per page or per word, while employed translators receive a monthly salary based on experience and expertise. Income can vary significantly.

Yes. A sworn translator has national competence. You can use TRADES from any city in France or abroad. Documents can be sent electronically, and translations are delivered as signed PDFs and by post, in line with French and foreign administration requirements

A sworn translator can be verified via official Court of Appeal lists or by checking the translator’s certification on the translation itself. A sworn translation must include a seal, signature, and a statement confirming conformity with the original.

Signature legalization authenticates the sworn translator’s signature on an official translation. When the translation is intended for use abroad, legalization is mandatory to obtain an apostille. It ensures the authenticity and legal validity of the document.

An apostille is an official certification confirming the authenticity of a public document for use in a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Convention.
Since May 1, 2025, obtaining an apostille is paid and issued by the Regional Council of Notaries for French public acts.
It may be required for birth certificates, diplomas, court decisions, or official translations.

Yes. TRADES offers urgent translation services for clients with tight deadlines, ensuring quality, legal compliance, and confidentiality.

A MAEC-certified translation is a sworn translation recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC).
It is required for documents that need legal validity in Spain, such as official certificates, diplomas, contracts, or administrative documents.
Karina Ramirez, founder of TRADES, holds the MAEC certification, ensuring that all translations intended for Spanish authorities are produced by an officially authorized translator, guaranteeing their legal validity and recognition.

Yes. Besides Spanish and English, TRADES works with a network of sworn translators to provide official translations in other languages on request, with the same quality, seal, and signature.