Sworn Translations

Certified Translation, also known in Brazil as Sworn Translation, is the service that confers public faith upon the translated document and makes it valid in the whole country, which means that such document has legal equivalence.

How much and what is the expected delivery term of a sworn translation

Delivery term of a translation varies depending on factors such as: document size, client urgency and volume of deliveries already scheduled with other clients. Urgent delivery requests of a Sworn Translations are analyzed on a case-by-case basis. The classification as urgent is duly characterized by the Boards of Trade of each State.

Prices of Sworn Translations vary depending on the type of document, its size and term for delivery and are determined by the Table of Emoluments homologated by the Board of Trade of the State where they are being negotiated.

Additionally

Sworn translations to other languages are also accepted in most foreign countries that request this type of service, always in compliance with the local laws. This translation is executed by a Public Translator, also known as Sworn Translator.

The Public Translator and Commercial Interpreter – official name of the title – qualified in one or more foreign languages and Portuguese, is appointed and enrolled at the Board of Trade of the State where he/she resides, after approval in written and oral public examinations. Only the Sworn (Public) Translation is officially recognized by the Brazilian public bodies and institutions, being valid as an official or legal document. This document is delivered on the letterhead paper of the Public Translator, also including his/her seal, stamp and signature.

WHEN SHOULD I USE A SWORN TRANSLATION?

According to Decree 13609 from October 21st, 1943, chapter III, article 18 “No book, document or paper of any kind whatsoever issued in foreign language shall produce any effect in State and City departments, jurisdictions, venues, courts or entities either kept, supervised or steered by the government unless they are duly attached to their respective translations performed as per the rules hereof”.

The Brazilian laws demand the Sworn Translation of documents in foreign language in order to make them valid in Brazil. The purpose of this requirement is to avoid distortion or even adulteration of the contents related to foreign documents. It is worth noticing that the acceptance of the Sworn Translation from Portuguese to a foreign language performed by Brazilian Certified Translators is determined by the specific laws of the country of destination. In countries without such laws, each entity is free to set their own rules.

Therefore, the translation must be done on the letterhead paper of the Public Translator and Commercial Interpreter and must have its own layout in such a manner that the document format will never be equal to the original.

Any document in foreign language, in order to be accepted by notary offices, public bodies and departments, must be attached to its respective Sworn Translation.

The same rule applies to schools and universities, including private ones, when receiving foreign academic documentation. Some examples of documents that are to be submitted in legal and educational proceedings, etc.: birth certificates, death certificates, divorce, identity cards, driver’s licenses, employment record books, vaccination cards, criminal records check, recommendation letters, general contracts, academic documents such as school history, police reports, diplomas, etc.