What is the difference between a notarial translation and a translation certified by a translation agency?

A notarial translation is certified by the signature and seal of a notary who confirms the authenticity of the translator's signature. A translation certified by a translation agency is a translation signed by the translator and stamped by the translation agency, but without notary involvement. A notarial translation has higher legal force for official bodies.

Is a notarial translation required for documents that will be apostilled?

Often, yes. For apostilling a translation, the document is first translated, and then notarized. After that, the apostille is placed on the translation itself (or on the original document, depending on the requirements of the destination country). However, requirements may vary, so it's best to clarify with the receiving party.

How long does a notarial translation take?

The turnaround time depends on the volume and complexity of the document, as well as the workload of the translator and notary. Typically, translating a single document can take from a few hours to one business day. Notarial certification usually occurs on the day the translation is ready.

Notarial Translation of Documents in Lviv

Learn which documents most often require notarial translation in Lviv, why it's needed, and how the certification process works. Relevant information for Ukrainians and foreigners.

What is Notarial Translation and Why is it Needed

A notarized translation is a translation of a document prepared by a qualified translator, while a notary establishes the translator's identity and certifies the authenticity of the translator's signature in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Such translations are commonly used when submitting documents to government authorities, courts, educational institutions, and other organizations in Ukraine and abroad, where required by the receiving authority.

In Ukraine, the notarization of translations is governed by the Law of Ukraine "On Notaries" and the Procedure for Performing Notarial Acts by Notaries of Ukraine. During the notarization process, the notary does not verify the accuracy of the translation or compare it with the original document. Instead, the notary certifies the authenticity of the translator's signature. Responsibility for the accuracy of the translation rests with the translator.

Notarial translation is most often required for:

Submitting documents to foreign state institutions (migration services, educational institutions).
Recognition of educational documents abroad.
Formalizing marriage or family reunification with a foreigner.
Conducting court cases abroad.
Registering companies or opening branches abroad.
Receiving inheritance abroad.

For Ukrainians planning to go abroad, or for foreigners wishing to come to Ukraine, notarial translation is a key step in the legalization of documents.

Most Popular Documents for Notarial Translation

Translation agencies in Lviv, as in other cities of Ukraine, most often receive requests for the translation of the following documents:

Passports and Identity Documents

Translation of passports, driver's licenses, and identification codes is one of the most common requests. This is necessary for obtaining visas, residence permits, employment abroad, as well as for admission to educational institutions.

Certificates (of birth, marriage, divorce, death)

These documents are often needed to confirm family ties, process inheritance, change surnames, obtain citizenship, or a residence permit in another country. Notarial certification of the translation of a certificate guarantees its legal force abroad. These may also include extracts issued by civil registry offices from the relevant civil status records.

Educational Documents (Diplomas, Certificates, Academic Transcripts)

For studying or working abroad, a notarized translation of diplomas, school certificates, their transcripts, as well as certificates of course completion is often required. This allows for the confirmation of educational level and qualifications.

Powers of Attorney and Applications

Notarized translations of powers of attorney and applications are necessary for granting legal authority, formalizing agreements, obtaining documents on behalf of another person abroad or in Ukraine. It is important that the translation accurately conveys all the nuances of the legal document.

Court Documents (Court Decisions, Writs of Execution)

If a case involves international law, court decisions, or writs of execution, their notarized translation is mandatory for submission to foreign courts or law enforcement agencies. This requires high accuracy and knowledge of legal terminology.

Corporate Documents (Articles of Association, Extracts from Registers, Contracts)

For conducting business abroad, registering companies, opening branches, or concluding international agreements, a notarized translation of constituent documents, extracts from the Unified State Register, contracts, and other corporate papers is required. This ensures the legality and transparency of business operations.

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Procedure for Notarial Certification of Translation

The process of notarial certification of a translation typically includes the following steps:

Contacting a Translation Agency: You provide the original document or its notarized copy and specify the target language.
Performing the Translation: A qualified translator performs the translation, adhering to all requirements for accuracy and terminology.
Translator's Certification: The translator signs the translation.
Submitting to a Notary: The translation, along with the original (or its copy), is submitted to a notary.
Notarial Certification: The notary verifies the translator's signature, their qualifications, and affixes their own signature and seal, certifying the authenticity of the translator's signature.

It is important to remember that the notary is not responsible for the content of the translation, but only for the authenticity of the translator's signature. Therefore, choosing an experienced translator is extremely important.

When Notarial Translation is Not Required

There are situations where notarial certification of a translation is not mandatory. For example, for internal use within a company, for informational purposes, or for submission to institutions that accept translations without notarial certification (e.g., some international organizations may only require a translation signed by the translator).

Also, if a document requires apostille or consular legalization, a notarial translation may be one of the requirements for further certification. An apostille is a special stamp that confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal, and status of the person who signed the document, and is applied for countries that are parties to the Hague Convention. Consular legalization is a more complex procedure applied to countries that have not joined the Hague Convention.

Conclusion

Notarized document translation is a widely requested service that helps ensure documents are properly prepared for official use in Ukraine and abroad. From passports and civil status certificates to court and corporate documents, a high-quality translation and proper notarization can help prevent delays when submitting documents to government authorities, educational institutions, and other organizations.

If you need a notarized translation in Lviv, ObriSoft is here to help. Our specialists provide accurate translations, assist with the notarization of the translator's signature, and prepare documents in accordance with the requirements of Ukrainian and foreign authorities.

Notarial Translation in Lviv: Which Documents Are Most Often Certified by a Notary