We offer certified translation services (auktoriserad översättning) from Swedish to English only.
Read on for some helpful information about certified translations, or jump to our step-by-step guide for ordering.
When do I need a certified translation?
Not all translations need to be certified!
But let’s say you’re getting ready to study abroad, applying for a visa or planning an international adoption. In cases like these, you may need to provide certified translations of key documents, such as:
- school-leaving certificates (betyg)
- diplomas (examen)
- employment contracts (anställningsavtal)
- rental agreements (hyresavtal)
- letters of recommendation (intyg)
- marriage certificates (äktenskapsbevis)
- driver’s licenses (körkort)
- bank statements (kontoutdrag).
What is a certified translation?
Certified translations are also called authorized or sworn translations. Different countries have different practices and different ways of talking about certified translations.
In Sweden, a certified translation (auktoriserad översättning) is one that has been stamped and signed by a state-authorized translator (auktoriserad translator). The certifying body for translators in Sweden is the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet).
State-authorized translators have a duty of confidentiality to you. They can’t share details about you or your documents with anyone. To become authorized, they have to pass a demanding translation exam, and they must renew their authorization every five years.
Certified translations themselves are prepared to special standards. As a rule, certified translations:
- follow the format of the original document;
- do not leave anything out;
- are stamped and signed;
- are physically attached to the original document or a copy of it;
- are delivered to you as physical copies.
One last thing. A translator can only certify their translation – not the original document itself. What does this mean? Well, when a translator stamps and signs a translation, they are saying, “This translation is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.” They are not certifying the authenticity of the original document.
What is an apostille? Do I need one?
An apostille is an extra authentication of a translator’s stamp and signature. It is performed by a notary public (notarius publicus).
If you need an apostille, the agency or authority that is requesting your documents should say so. Check their requirements.
If you do need an apostille, you can search online for a notary public near you. You visit the notary public and present your certified translation, and they authenticate the translator’s signature and stamp.
Some larger translation agencies also offer apostille services, so if you need an apostille, you may wish to use one of these all-in-one agencies.
How much do you charge?
We don’t have a fixed per-word rate. Documents can be very different, and counting words does not always tell us how long a job will take.
- You may have a short document with complicated formatting, requiring more time.
- You may have long documents that are all very similar, requiring less time.
- Every document, short or long, requires us to spend time formatting and managing electronic files and preparing, stamping, signing and posting paper copies.
That’s why we ask to see your documents before we propose a price. We estimate the amount of time your job will take and try hard to give you the best price we can.
Order a certified translation—step by step
Here’s how to order a certified translation from us:
- 🗂️Collect all the document(s) you need translated.
- 💬Send us a quick e-mail to describe what you need.
- 💬You’ll hear back from us. If we’re able to help, we’ll start by asking you for electronic copies of your documents so that we can propose a price.
- 📸Scan or photograph your document(s).
- If you already have PDFs, great–send those!
- If you need to take pictures, your phone camera is fine. We need clear, sharp images that show your entire document. We need to see every word on every page.
- 💬E-mail us your documents.
- 💬You’ll receive a free, non-binding quote from us. It will include a price for your translations, a delivery date, and a last date to reply.
- 💬If you’re happy with the quote, e-mail us with your billing address and mailing address.
- 💬You’ll receive a bill from us.
- 💸Pay for your translation(s). We need to receive your payment before we send out your translations.
- 📬Receive your translation(s). We always send certified translations as physical copies (snail-mail), and you’ll receive an e-mail from us when they’re on the way.
Please direct all inquiries about certified translations to Robin. Find her e-mail address on our Contact page.