Certified translations

Although it may be tempting to choose the cheapest translator, that doesn’t always get you the best value for money – sometimes it can actually lead to the translated document not being considered valid. You may need a certified translation.

For instance, if you have to send legal or administrative documents to another country, most authorities require that the translation be carried out by a government-authorised translator, and the resulting translation be legally validated. Only then can the documents be approved.

Different countries have different requirements for certified translations. Not all translators and translation agencies can supply certified translations, so remember to always make sure that you order a certified translation when you need one. Please note that there is generally a difference in price between “standard” and certified translations; furthermore, each page of a certified translation must bear the authorised translator’s personal stamp.

A fairly complete list

The Association of Government Authorized Translators in Norway (STF) provides the following examples of documents that should be translated by a government-authorised translator:

Adoption papers
Agreements
Articles of association
Birth certificates
Case documents
Certificates
Certificates of incorporation
Certificates of good conduct
Certificates relating to civil status
Contracts
Course diplomas
Death certificates
Divorce decrees
Grade transcripts
Inheritance documents
Marriage certificates
Medical certificates
Medical records
Name change documents
Powers of attorney
References
Separation orders
Tax certificates
Tax documents
Title deeds

STF recommends that public entities in particular, such as courts, law enforcement authorities and health services, use authorised translators for their written translations.

Samtext can provide government-authorised translators with a range of language combinations. Contact us on +47 22 80 52 00 if you have any questions about certified translations.