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Certified translations in Europe 📝

Updated: Oct 13

Certified translations are a vital service for businesses and individuals who need to communicate across different languages and cultures. In Europe, certified translations are particularly important, given the region's linguistic diversity and the need to navigate a variety of legal and regulatory frameworks. In this post, we will look at some statistics on certified translations in Europe as a business.


According to a recent report by the European Commission, there are 24 official languages in the European Union (EU). In addition to these, there are many regional and minority languages spoken throughout the continent. This linguistic diversity presents a significant challenge for businesses operating in multiple countries or seeking to expand into new markets. Certified translations can help to overcome these linguistic barriers and ensure that communications are accurate, clear, and legally compliant.




The demand for certified translations in Europe is significant and growing. According to recent reports by market research firms, the global language services industry is expected to continue to grow in 2023, reaching an estimated value of $64 billion by 2025. Europe is one of the largest markets for language services, accounting for around 40% of the global market. Within Europe, the largest markets for language services are Germany, France, the UK, and Spain.


The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the language services industry, accelerating the trend towards digital solutions and remote working. Many translation agencies have shifted to digital platforms and remote work to maintain operations and continue serving clients during the pandemic.


Overall, the demand for certified translations in Europe is likely to continue to grow in 2023, driven by globalization, increasing regulatory complexity, and the need for accurate and reliable communication across different languages and cultures. The industry will continue to evolve, with new technologies and digital solutions enabling more efficient and accessible certified translation services for businesses and individuals.


Certified translations are a particular subset of the language services industry. These are translations that have been authenticated by a professional translator and certified as accurate and complete. Certified translations are often required for legal and regulatory purposes, such as for immigration applications, patent filings, or court proceedings.


A digital approach to certified translations is becoming increasingly important in Europe. In recent years, some countries have introduced digital solutions to streamline the process of certifying translations and make them more accessible to businesses and individuals.


For example, in Spain, the digital signature for translations is valid for all official purposes. This means that translations can be certified electronically, without the need for a physical signature or stamp. This has helped to make the process of obtaining certified translations faster, more efficient, and more accessible to people who may not have easy access to translation agencies or government offices.


Other countries are also exploring digital solutions for certified translations.


In conclusion, certified translations are an essential service for businesses operating in Europe. The demand for certified translations is significant and growing, driven by the region's linguistic diversity and the need to navigate complex legal and regulatory frameworks. While the certified translation industry in Europe is highly competitive, there are many opportunities for growth and innovation, as businesses seek to overcome linguistic barriers and succeed in global markets.


Different countries, different process 🌍

Here is a brief overview of the process for obtaining a certified translation in the largest markets for language services, highlighting some of the key differences between these countries.:

  • 🇪🇸 Spain: In Spain, certified translations are provided by "Traductores jurados" or "Traductores oficiales," who are certified by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The certification is recognized by all government and private institutions in Spain.The translator will provide a certificate of accuracy, which is usually signed and stamped. In most cases, a digital signature is used. The certification is recognized by all government and private institutions in Spain.

  • 🇩🇪 Germany: In Germany, certified translations are provided by "beeidigte Übersetzer" or "vereidigte Übersetzer," who are sworn translators certified by the local courts. The certification is valid for all government and private institutions in Germany. It has the BEGLAUBIGUNG (certification) which is an additional note in which the court-certified translator confirms the accuracy and completeness of the document with his official stamp and signature and may include a certification number.

  • 🇮🇹 Italy: In Italy, certified translations (traduzione asserverata/giurata) are provided by "traduttori giurati," who are sworn translators certified by the local courts. The certification is valid for all government and private institutions in Italy. The translator translates the document from or to the Italian language, then goes in-person to an Italian court and swears an “Oath Statement” to attest that the translation is faithfully equivalent to the original text, and assume civil and criminal liability for their work. The certification is valid for all government and private institutions in Italy.

  • 🇵🇹 Portugal: In Portugal, certified translations are provided by "tradutores juramentados" or "advogados habilitados," who are sworn translators or authorized lawyers. The certification is recognized by all government and private institutions in Portugal. The translation is typically stamped and signed by the translator or lawyer, and may include a certification number.

  • 🇫🇷 France: In France, certified translations are provided by "traducteurs assermentés," who are sworn translators certified by the local courts (la Cour d'appel). The certification is recognized by all government and private institutions in France. The translation is stamped and signed by the translator, and may include a certification number.

  • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom - In the UK, certified translations are not regulated by law, so anyone can technically offer a certified translation service. However, it is recommended to use a translator who is a member of a professional association such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). These associations have strict admission criteria, a code of conduct and offer continuing professional development (CPD) for their members. The translator would usually certify the translation themselves by adding a statement on the document attesting to the accuracy of the translation, and then sign and date it. In some cases, a notary public or a solicitor may also provide a certification of the translation. Some key differences between these countries include the types of professionals who can provide certified translations, the level of oversight and review required for the translations, and the use of digital signatures or stamps. It's important to note that the certification requirements may vary depending on the specific document or institution requesting the translation. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check with the relevant authority or organization to ensure that the certified translation meets their specific requirements.

Some of the most common documents that an expat may need to have translated

The demand for certified translations varies by country and by industry. In some countries, such as Spain and Italy, certified translations are required for many official documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic transcripts. In other countries, such as Germany, the requirements for certified translations are more limited.


The specific documents needed will depend on the individual's situation and the country they are moving to. It is always best to consult with an immigration lawyer or other legal professional to determine exactly what documents are required and what the translation requirements are. Mainly the requests are:

  • Visa or residence permit

  • Birth certificate

  • Marriage certificate

  • Divorce decree

  • Educational degrees or diplomas

  • Professional licenses or certifications

  • Criminal record certificate

  • Employment contracts or offer letters

  • Tax documents (e.g. income tax returns, tax certificates)

  • Medical records

Contact us today for a free quote, and experience the benefits of working with a professional translation agency. ☎️

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