At ALOS we are experts in translation, and in this post we are going to talk about a term closely connected with sworn translation: the apostille. The apostille is a key concept in the field of sworn translation and international legal documents. It refers to the «Hague Apostille», a certificate that authenticates the validity of a public document so that it is recognised in another country that is also a signatory to the 1961 Hague Convention. What exactly is the «Hague Apostille»? The Hague Apostille is a simplified method of legalising public documents (such as birth certificates, court judgments or diplomas) that makes those documents valid in the countries that have signed the Hague Convention, with no need for further legalisation through a consulate or embassy. It is essentially a confirmation that the signatures on a document are genuine and valid, regardless of the content set out in it. In other words, the apostille does NOT guarantee the authenticity, validity or equivalence of a document, only of the signatures that accompany it. For that guarantee, there are sworn translations. The apostille must ALWAYS be obtained in the country where the document was issued. How does the apostille relate to sworn translation? When a document that is going to be used in a foreign country needs a sworn translation, it may also require an apostille in order to be accepted by the authorities of that country. The relationship between the apostille and the sworn translation works as follows:
- On the original document. Before a document is translated, it may need to be apostilled in the country where it was issued. That apostille certifies the authenticity of the original document and gives it international validity. The apostilled document can then be translated by a sworn translator.
- On the sworn translation. In a small number of cases, once the document has been translated and certified by a sworn translator, the translation also has to be apostilled, to confirm that the sworn translator is authorised by the competent authorities of the country where the translation was produced.
Let’s look at a concrete example. Suppose someone from Turkey needs to submit their birth certificate in Spain in order to apply for residency. First, the birth certificate must be apostilled in Turkey to certify that it is genuine. Next, this apostilled document must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator, either in Spain or in Turkey. Finally, if the Spanish authorities require it, the sworn translation may also need to be apostilled so that it is accepted without any problems.
CHECK THE SIGNATORY COUNTRIES OF THE HAGUE CONVENTION HERE
The apostille is sometimes essential
The apostille is essential to ensure that documents and their translations are legally recognised abroad. Without it, a document could be rejected, which could complicate legal, administrative or commercial procedures. It is therefore vital that anyone who needs a sworn translation knows whether or not their documents require an apostille before being translated and submitted in another country. In short, the apostille is a certificate that authenticates public documents for international use between the countries that have signed the Hague Convention. In the context of sworn translation, the apostille ensures that both the original document and its translation have legal validity in the foreign country where they will be submitted. This is crucial in order to avoid legal problems and to make sure documents are accepted by the relevant authorities. And remember that if you need to put yourself in the hands of expert translators, ALOS is the answer.