Certified translations

Certified translations

There are several types of services offered in the field of Translations (simple translations, certified translations, notarized translations, interpreting). Based on the purpose of the translation, certain documents require the services of a Certified Translator. In general, official documents that are to be used in front of State Authorities and Institutions must be translated by a certified professional.

What is a Certified Translator?

A Certified Translator is a person authorized by the Ministry of Justice, in accordance with Law no. 178 from 1997, for performing written and oral translations.

This is a professional who translates official documents issued by Authorities or other entities (notaries public, executors, lawyers, companies, medical establishments etc.). The services of a Certified Translator are also needed when a non-Romanian speaker wishes or has the obligation to appear before a notary public, court, prosecution authorities etc.

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is the translation made by a Certified Translator. In addition to a simple translation, the certified translation will include a Translator's authentication, stamp and signature. The Certified Translator certifies that the translation is in accordance with the original document and that he/she is authorized to perform this task.

When do we need a Certified Translator?

Certified translation services are generally required in the following cases:

  • Translation of official documents (vital records documents, contracts, power of attorney, declarations, affidavits, criminal records, vehicle documents etc.)
  • Interpreting / oral translation before the courts, notaries public, prosecution authorities, registrars, police, immigration services

For example:

If an American citizen wants to marry a Romanian citizen, the Certified English Translator will first translate the foreigner's vital records documents. This includes the birth certificate, divorce certificate (if applicable) and any other document requested by the Authorities, in accordance with the Law.

Also, the foreign national will need authenticated affidavits, given before a Notary Public. Since the foreigner is not a Romanian speaker, it is obvious that the Certified Translator will have to be present and translate the content of the document for the foreigner. As a note, Notaries Public in Romania are not allowed to issue documents in languages other than Romanian.

After obtaining all the necessary documents for the conclusion of the marriage, the American citizen will still need the services of the Certified English translator: the Translator must translate the necessary forms and applications for the file (which are signed and stamped by the Translator) and then attend the ceremony, where the Certified Translator will translate (orally) into English the official ceremony of the Civil Registrar. He/she should know what he/she signs up to when saying “Yes” or “I do”.

What documents need to be translated and certified?

Certified translation is required when the document is to be used in relation to authorities or other public or private entities.

For example, in Court proceedings where the subject matter of the proceedings is related to revenue. If a party to the proceedings obtains income from abroad, the document attesting this (such as salary slip, employment contract, bank statement) must be translated into Romanian by an Certified Translator.

What documents can I translate forn and to English?

  • Personal and vital records documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, passport, identity card, residency certificate, criminal record certificate etc.

  • Legal documents: decisions, court decisions, powers of attorney, authentic statements, sales contracts, rental contracts, lease contracts, loan contracts etc.

  • Medical documents: medical certificates, hospital discharge notes, laboratory tests, referrals, medical results, prescriptions etc.

  • Financial and commercial documents: bank statements, accounting records, bank documents, financial reports, service contracts, articles of association, registration certificates etc.

  • Other documents: technical translations, user manuals, social human translations, CVs, ISO certificates, catalogs, documents from the field of energy, tourism, telecommunications etc.