Sworn translation · Geneva

Sworn translation in Geneva

Civil status certificates, diplomas, judgments or licences: your official documents are translated by a sworn translator appointed by the Geneva Council of State, then sealed and signed. As a result, they are ready for the OCPM, the civil registry, courts, universities and employers.

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Definition

What is a sworn translation in Geneva?

In Geneva, an official translation is in fact produced by a sworn translator (traducteur-juré) appointed by the Council of State under the Geneva law on sworn translators (LTJ). Therefore, only sworn translators may use this title in the canton.

The sworn translator then applies their seal bearing the cantonal coat of arms and initials to every page, and finally signs the last page. They also work only from the original or a certified copy, and only in the languages they are sworn for. That is why we choose the right translator for your document.

Documents

Documents we translate

We translate, for example, official documents written in a foreign language, as well as French documents for use abroad.

Civil status

Courts and notaries

Study and work

Companies

Procedures

For which procedures in Geneva?

Residence and naturalisation

For example, B or C permits, family reunification or naturalisation with the OCPM.

Civil registry

In particular, marriage, recognition of a child or registration of a foreign certificate.

Study and employment

For instance, university enrolment, diploma recognition or job applications.

Courts and banks

For example, proceedings, estates, account opening or the commercial register.

Apostille and legalisation

Before or after translation?

In fact, the formality depends on where the document comes from and where it will be used.

Foreign document for Geneva

Therefore, it usually needs an apostille (Hague Convention countries) or legalisation in the issuing country, before translation.

Translation for use abroad

In this case, the sworn translator's signature can be apostilled or legalised by the OCPM legalisation office: CHF 30 per document, 1 to 3 days by post.

Use in Switzerland

However, for another Swiss authority, a simple legalisation is usually enough. We then tell you the procedure.

Languages

Into which language?

Geneva authorities work in French. That is why most foreign documents are translated into French. In addition, we translate your Geneva documents into English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and over 100 languages for use abroad.

English
German
Italian
Spanish
Portuguese
Russian
Arabic
Turkish
Ukrainian

Steps

How does it work?

Send a copy

First, send a scan or clear photo via form, email or WhatsApp.

Receive your quote

Then you receive a fixed price and deadline. We also tell you whether the original is needed.

Sealed translation

Next, the sworn translator translates, seals every page and signs.

Delivery

Finally, we post the sealed original and also email you a PDF copy.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

For any other question, you can also email us at info@lingua-service.eu or message us on WhatsApp at +32 494 77 88 76.

What is a sworn translator in Geneva?

A sworn translator (traducteur-juré) is appointed by the Geneva Council of State under the law on sworn translators (LTJ). As a result, they can certify their translations with a seal bearing the cantonal coat of arms and their signature. Therefore, only sworn translators may use this title in the canton.

What is the difference between a sworn and a certified translation?

In Geneva, a translation is called sworn when it is sealed by a traducteur-juré. However, the terms certified or official translation often mean the same thing. So for an official procedure, ask for a sworn translation, because that is what Geneva authorities accept.

Do I need to send the original?

No, a scan is enough for the quote. However, for the translation itself, the sworn translator works from the original or a copy certified by a Swiss public officer (notary, commune…). We then tell you the simplest option for your document.

How much does a sworn translation cost in Geneva?

Short civil status certificates are usually translated at a flat rate, whereas longer documents are priced by word count. The price also depends on the language and deadline. In addition, the quote is free and the price is fixed before we start.

How long does it take?

Usually 24 to 72 hours for a certificate, then postage of the sealed original. Urgent jobs are also possible, so mention it in your request.

Does my translation need an apostille?

Only if it will be used abroad. In that case, the sworn translator’s signature can be apostilled or legalised by the OCPM legalisation office, currently CHF 30 per document. However, for a foreign document used in Geneva, the apostille is obtained in the country of origin, before translation.

Does the OCPM accept your translations?

Our official translations are produced by Geneva sworn translators, as required by the canton’s authorities. Therefore, tell us which authority will receive the document, and we will also check its requirements before we start.

An official document to translate?

Fast, free quote · Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm
info@lingua-service.eu · WhatsApp +32 494 77 88 76