Requirements summary
- Common certification route
- Sworn — confirm the specific procedure
- Authority / starting point
- Receiving authority / French notarial apostille service
- Apostille or legalization
- Authentication depends on the issuing country, document and receiving authority; treaty exemptions may apply.
The receiving authority decides which documents and translations it accepts. Confirm its current instructions before placing your order; requirements can vary by application and document origin.
Translation requirements at a glance
French court expert lists include specialists in translation and interpreting. The Court of Cassation and courts of appeal maintain expert lists that can help identify appropriately qualified translators.
Check whether your receiving authority requires a traduction par un traducteur expert or another form of certification.
Before you order a translation
Start with the instructions from the office handling your application. A court, consulate, immigration office or university may use different submission rules.
- Identify the receiving authority and the exact application route.
- Confirm the accepted translation language and translator credentials.
- Ask whether scans, certified copies or paper originals are required.
- Include every page, stamp, seal and endorsement requested by the authority.
Apostille and legalization
A translation and an apostille serve different purposes. An apostille authenticates the origin of a public document; it does not certify the accuracy of a translation.
Whether authentication is needed depends on where the original was issued, where it will be used, the document type and any applicable exemptions. Confirm the requirement and the sequence with the receiving authority before arranging translation or legalization.
Preparing your documents
Keep the source document and translation together. Provide clear, uncropped copies and explain any differences in names or spellings across your documents.
Send Translaze the receiving authority’s instructions alongside your documents so we can identify the appropriate translation and certification service. Acceptance remains the authority’s decision.
Official source
Use the original instructions for your specific application. This guide provides general information, not legal advice or a guarantee of acceptance.
European e-Justice — Legal translators in France