What is a Certified Translation and When Do You Need One?
If you have ever had to submit a foreign-language document to a South African university, employer, bank or government department, you may have been told it needs to be translated and certified. The terminology is confusing, and getting it wrong can delay your application.
What is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a statement from the translator or translation company that it is a complete and accurate rendering of the original document. There is no single, universally recognised definition of the term, and organisations use it in different ways.
At LínguaProz, certified translations are issued under LínguaProz's professional responsibility. A qualified translator prepares the translation, and LínguaProz issues the certificate, taking responsibility for its accuracy and completeness. They are not sworn translations. At present, LínguaProz provides digital certified translations into English, for documents used within South Africa.
Every certificate carries a unique QR code that lets anyone check online that the certificate is genuine and was issued by LínguaProz.
How Does it Differ from a Sworn Translation?
In South Africa the terms certified translation and sworn translation are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. A sworn translation is made by a translator who has taken the sworn-translator oath at a South African High Court, and who signs and stamps the translation in that capacity. A LínguaProz certified translation is issued by a translation company under its own professional responsibility. It is not a sworn translation, and it does not replace one.
Whether an organisation accepts a certified translation, or insists on a sworn one, is that organisation's decision. Some processes name a sworn translator in their requirements; others accept a translation certified by a translation company. We cannot guarantee acceptance, so always check with the receiving organisation before you order.
Certified vs sworn translations
They are not the same thing. Check which one your recipient requires before you order.
| LínguaProz certified translation | Sworn translation | |
|---|---|---|
| Done by | A qualified translator; LínguaProz takes professional responsibility for accuracy | A translator who has taken the sworn-translator oath at the High Court and signs and stamps each page |
| Legal status | A company attestation, not a sworn translation | Meets requirements that ask for a sworn translation |
| Acceptance | Decided by the organisation you submit it to; we cannot guarantee it | Often named in the requirements of courts and some government processes; check yours |
| Use it when | The receiving organisation has confirmed it accepts a translation certified by a translation company | The receiving organisation or the law asks for a sworn translation |
| Delivery | Digital PDF with a verification QR code | Depends on the translator and the receiving office |
| LínguaProz offers | Yes, currently into English, for documents used in South Africa | Not offered at present. If you need one, use a sworn translator directly. |
When Might You Need a Certified or Sworn Translation?
Organisations ask for certified or sworn translations when they need to rely on a translated document. Typical examples are below. In each case, ask the organisation which type it requires before you order.
Official Submissions
Documents such as birth, marriage and divorce certificates, police clearances and affidavits submitted to a government department or other official body in South Africa. Some of these processes ask for a sworn translation, and others do not.
Academic Applications
Transcripts, diplomas and certificates from non-English-speaking countries submitted to a South African university or other educational institution.
Business and Corporate Documents
Founding documents, contracts, financial statements and regulatory filings submitted to a South African company, regulator or tender.
Legal Matters
Courts and legal processes often ask for a sworn translation, which LínguaProz does not offer. If you need one, speak to your legal representative or a sworn translator directly.
Using a Translation Outside South Africa
LínguaProz certified translations are for documents used within South Africa. If you need a translation for another country, requirements differ widely and may include a sworn translator or additional formalities. Please ask the receiving authority, or its embassy or consulate in South Africa, what it requires before you order. LínguaProz does not offer certified translations for use abroad.
Important: LínguaProz certified translations are issued under our professional accountability, but they are not sworn translations. Acceptance is at the sole discretion of the receiving institution (such as a court, embassy, university or government department). We cannot guarantee acceptance, so please confirm their exact requirements before ordering. If a sworn translation is required, a LínguaProz certified translation will not be a substitute.
At present, we provide digital certified translations into English, for documents used within South Africa. Additional languages are planned. We do not supply physical or couriered hard copies.
What Does the Process Look Like?
- You request a quote, giving your document, the language and your turnaround time.
- Your document is assigned to a qualified translator for the relevant language pair and document type.
- The translator produces an accurate, complete translation.
- LínguaProz issues the certificate, generates a unique QR code, and delivers the completed bundle as a single PDF.
Standard delivery is 7 business days. Express delivery (3 days) and urgent delivery (24 hours) are available at additional cost.
How Much Does it Cost?
LínguaProz certified translations are priced from R350 per page. Express service adds 50% to the base rate. Urgent 24-hour service adds 100%. There are no hidden fees. Your quote will reflect the full cost before you commit.