Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certified translation?
A certified translation means that a court interpreter has confirmed the correctness and completeness of the translation they have done with their signature and official seal. In addition, the translation must be attached inseparably to the original document/a copy of the original document and bear the translator’s official seal. The translator must be registered in the Directory of Expert Witnesses kept by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Justice.

When and where do I need a certified translation?
Certified translations are required by national and international authorities and bodies, school institutions/universities or employers. Typical examples are: birth certificate, death certificate, certificate of residence, marriage certificate, police records, job reference, school certificate, university diploma, pay slip, bank statement, driving licence, divorce judgement, adoption papers. Austrian courts only accept and recognise procedural documents (i.e. evidence, letters rogatory), if translated into German by a court translator. The translation of contracts, extracts from the company register or land register are often required in a certified form.

Where is the certified translation recognised?
Translations done by a court translator listed in the official list of sworn translators in Austria are recognised all over Austria and usually in all other EU countries. Translations to be presented to public authorities in foreign countries outside the EU require a court legalisation or an apostille. Since every country and every public authority or body have different rules, it is recommended to obtain relevant information from the body involved/the consular representation.

What is a court legalisation and apostille?
A court legalisation confirms the authenticity of the signature and the official stamp of the translator. Court legalisations are issued by the provincial tribunal where the translator has been appointed and accredited. The apostille verifies the authenticity of the document, the qualification of the official who issued the same and his/her signature. Foreign documents provided with an apostille are recognised as public instruments in the countries that signed the Hague Convention of 1961. For information on whether a certified translation needs a court legalisation or an apostille, or if bilateral agreements apply, please contact the representation of the country of destination.

What is legal interpreting?
This means the employment of a court interpreter in court and out-of-court proceedings and settings (i.e. interrogation of foreign testimonies, marriage ceremony, stipulation of a contract), where the judge, the registrar or the notary must be sure that a party who does not understand/speak German can reliably follow the course of the proceedings in his/her own language.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation means that a court interpreter has confirmed the correctness and completeness of the translation they have done with their signature and official seal. In addition, the translation must be attached inseparably to the original document/a copy of the original document and bear the translator’s official seal. The translator must be registered in the Directory of Expert Witnesses kept by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Justice.

When and where do I need a certified translation?
Certified translations are required by national and international authorities and bodies, school institutions/universities or employers. Typical examples are: birth certificate, death certificate, certificate of residence, marriage certificate, police records, job reference, school certificate, university diploma, pay slip, bank statement, driving licence, divorce judgement, adoption papers. Austrian courts only accept and recognize procedural documents (i.e. evidence, letters rogatory), if translated into German by a court translator. The translation of contracts, extracts from the company register or land register are often required in a certified form.

Where is the certified translation recognized?
Translations done by a court translator listed in the official list of sworn translators in Austria are recognised all over Austria and usually in all other EU countries. Translations to be presented to public authorities in foreign countries outside the EU require a court legalisation or an apostille. Since every country and every public authority or body have different rules, it is recommended to obtain relevant information from the body involved/the consular representation.

What is a court legalisation and apostille?
A Court legalization confirms the authenticity of the signature and the official stamp of the translator. Court legalizations are issued by the provincial tribunal where the translator has been appointed and accredited. The apostille verifies the authenticity of the document, the qualification of the official who issued the same and his/her signature. Foreign documents provided with an apostille are recognized as public instruments in the countries that signed the Hague Convention of 1961. For information on whether a certified translation needs a court legalization or an apostille, or if bilateral agreements apply, please contact the representation of the country of destination.

What is legal interpreting?
This means the employment of a court interpreter in court and out-of-court proceedings and settings (i.e. interrogation of foreign testimonies, marriage ceremony, stipulation of a contract), where the judge, the registrar or the notary must be sure that a party who does not understand/speak German can reliably follow the course of the proceedings in his/her own language.