Why Apostilles and Certified Translations Are Often Required Together
When presenting official documents abroad, two requirements frequently appear: certified translations and the apostille. While they serve different purposes, both are often necessary to ensure that foreign documents are legally valid and recognised by authorities in Europe. Understanding how they work together can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays in visa, academic, or legal processes.
What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is produced by a sworn or authorised translator and includes a declaration of accuracy, along with the translator’s seal and signature. This ensures that the translated text is legally equivalent to the original document. Certified translations are required for documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and court rulings.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication issued under the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the authenticity of the original document so that it can be legally recognised in another member country. Importantly, an apostille applies to the original document, not the translation. Once the original has been apostilled, a certified translation of the apostille itself is often required for submission abroad.
Need help with apostille requirements and certified translations in Europe?
INSTANT QUOTEWhen Do You Need Both?
Authorities across Europe frequently require both an apostille and a certified translation in the following cases:
- Visa and immigration applications
- International marriages and family reunification
- University enrolments and scholarship applications
- Cross-border legal proceedings
Key Differences Between Apostille and Certified Translation
- Certified translation: Confirms the accuracy of the translated text
- Apostille: Confirms the authenticity of the original document
- Both are separate steps but may be required together for acceptance abroad
In which order should you proceed?
- Get the apostille on the original document (or an officially certified copy) from the competent authority in the issuing country
- Order the certified translation once the apostille is attached, so that the apostille is translated together with the document
- Submit the original with its apostille and the certified translation to the receiving authority
Common mistakes
- Having a simple photocopy apostilled: apostilles are issued for public documents or officially certified copies
- Translating the document before the apostille exists, so the apostille text is missing from the translation
- Assuming an apostille is needed everywhere: between EU member states many public documents are exempt from legalisation and apostille under Regulation (EU) 2016/1191, so ask the authority first
More on this topic: Apostille and certified translation and our apostille translation service.
Conclusion
In Europe, many official procedures require both an apostille and a certified translation of the original document. While the apostille authenticates the document, the certified translation ensures that it is legally understood in the local language. With Linguation, you can secure both requirements quickly and correctly, ensuring your documents are fully recognised across borders.
