Can I Use a Certified Translation Done in the U.S. for Europe?
If you're preparing documents for use in Europe, you might be wondering: “Can I just get a certified translation done in the U.S.?” It's a very reasonable question — and one we get a lot.
The short answer? No, not if your documents need to be officially recognized in Europe. Let’s break down why that is — and what makes European sworn or certified translations so different.
What Does “Certified Translation” Mean in the U.S.?
In the United States, a certified translation usually means the translator or translation agency signs a statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete. This is often called self-certification.
But here’s the catch: there is no official licensing system for translators in the U.S. There’s no state or federal body that authorizes translators to work on legal or official translations. It’s all based on trust and professionalism, not legal status.
Europe Plays by Different Rules
In many European countries, official documents require a sworn translation, which is a legally recognized translation performed by a translator who has been formally appointed by a court or government body.
"Sworn translators in Europe generally have to take an oath before a court or other public body and adhere to a strict code of ethics," says David, our manager and a 15+ year expert in international sworn translations.
"This concept does not exist in the U.S. There is no such thing as federal or state licensing of translators in America. There is only self-certification, and this is not accepted in Europe."
In other words, if you get a translation done in the U.S. — even by a qualified professional — it will not be accepted by a European authority.
What Should You Do Instead?
If you’re sending documents to a European authority, you’ll need to have them translated by an official sworn translator based in that country or in another EU member state.
At Translations for Europe, we work exclusively with authorized sworn translators in multiple EU countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. We make sure your translations meet the exact legal standards required by European courts and agencies.
Need an Apostille, Too?
For many official documents, especially those originating in the U.S., a sworn translation in Europe is only possible if the original document has an apostille. This proves the document is authentic and is often a required step before translation.
You can obtain the apostille yourself by contacting the right state or federal office, or we can refer you to our trusted partner in the U.S. who can handle all apostille logistics on your behalf — quickly and securely.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help. We’ve guided hundreds of clients through the process of preparing documents for Europe — from apostilles to sworn translations and everything in between.
Get in touch for a free review of your documents and advice on what your next step should be. Let’s make sure your documents are accepted — no surprises, no rejections.
