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Certified, Notarized, and Sworn Translation: Key Differences Explained
Not sure if you need a certified, notarized, or sworn translation? Learn the difference and which one is right for your visa, embassy, or legal document.
Certified vs. Notarized vs. Sworn Translations: What’s the Difference?
When submitting official documents for a visa application, immigration process, or legal procedure, you’ll often be asked to provide a certified, notarized, or sworn translation. But what do these terms really mean? And which one do you actually need? At COT Translation Services, we help clients understand and deliver the right type of translation—every time.
1. What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation that is:
Completed by a professional translator.
Accompanied by a signed declaration stating the translation is accurate and complete.
Stamped and signed by a recognized translation office.
When is it required?
Certified translations are typically required by:
Embassies (for visas).
Universities (for academic documents).
Immigration offices.
Government authorities.
Employers abroad.
At COT, all our translations are certified and embassy-approved.
2. What Is a Notarized Translation?
A notarized translation goes one step further:
After being certified, the translator or office takes the document to a notary public, who verifies the identity of the translator and notarizes the declaration.
Important:
The notary does not review the content—they only verify the signature.
When is it required?
Notarized translations are often required for:
Court documents.
Power of attorney.
Business contracts.
International legal proceedings.At COT, we can arrange notarization upon request for applicable countries.
3. What Is a Sworn Translation?
A sworn translation is done by a sworn translator—a professional who has been legally authorized (often by a court or ministry) to translate official documents and attest to their accuracy.
Sworn translators usually:
Sign and stamp the translation personally.
May include their license number or court ID.
Are recognized by judicial or governmental bodies.
When is it required?
Sworn translations are often required in:
Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and Latin American countries.
Judicial procedures.
Marriage registrations abroad.
Citizenship applications.
In some countries like Egypt, the term “sworn translator” is not officially recognized, and certified translation from a registered office is sufficient.
Summary Table
| Type | Includes Stamp | Notary Signature | Translator Licensed by Court | Usage Examples |
| Certified | Yes | No | No | Visas, embassies, universities |
| Notarized | Yes | Yes | No | Power of attorney, legal forms |
| Sworn | Yes | Optional | Yes | European legal/court documents |
Which One Do You Need?
| Situation | Translation Type Required |
| Applying for a Schengen visa | Certified (from approved office) |
| Submitting documents to a European court | Sworn or Notarized |
| Academic admissions abroad | Certified |
| Immigration to Canada/Australia | Certified |
| Legal registration of a marriage abroad | Sworn |
Still not sure? Contact us and we’ll confirm what’s accepted by your embassy or institution.
Why COT Translation Services?
Certified translations accepted by all major embassies.
Notarization services available upon request.
Official formatting for over 20 languages.
Offices in Maadi, Downtown, and Mohandessin.
30+ years of trusted experience in Egypt.
FAQs
Can you provide sworn translations for countries like Italy or Spain?
Yes, we work with licensed sworn translators abroad when required. Let us know your destination country.
Are certified translations accepted by all embassies?
Yes. Certified translations from COT are regularly accepted by the American, Canadian, German, French, Italian, and other embassies in Cairo.
Do I need to visit your office in person?
Not at all. We accept online submissions and deliver soft and hard copies as needed.
Get the Right Type of Translation Now
Don’t risk rejection due to the wrong type of translation.
Let COT Translation Services handle it for you.
Call Us or Send the document via WhatsApp
Visit: www.cottranslation.com
Branches: Maadi – Downtown – Mohandessin
Trusted. Accurate. Certified.
