Apostille vs Certified Translation: What’s the Difference?

Apostille vs Certified Translation: What’s the Difference?

If you need to use a document abroad, you may hear two terms again and again: Apostille and certified translation. They are often mentioned together, but they are not the same thing.

Understanding the difference can save you time, money, and unnecessary back-and-forth with authorities.

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a form of official authentication used for public documents that need to be recognised in another country. Under the Hague Apostille Convention, it replaces the traditional, longer legalisation process with a single Apostille certificate issued by a competent authority in the country where the document originates.

In Cyprus, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order is the competent authority for Apostille certification of documents issued by competent government agencies.

An Apostille does not translate the document. It confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal, or authority behind the document.

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is the translated version of your document, prepared so it can be used for official purposes. It confirms that the translated text accurately reflects the original document.

In Cyprus, certified translations for official public use are handled through the sworn translator framework, and examples of documents that may need this include education certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, corporate documents, medical reports, and legal documents.

Which one do you need first?

In many cases, if a document requires an Apostille, the Apostille should be added before the translation is completed. This is because the translator may also need to translate or reference the Apostille as part of the full document package.

For Cyprus, the European e-Justice Portal notes that documents submitted for translation must generally be authentic and duly legalised either by Apostille or by diplomatic certification before translation, although specific rules can vary, especially for EU public documents.

Example

Let’s say you have a birth certificate issued in Cyprus and you need to submit it to an authority abroad.

You may need to:

1. Obtain the original birth certificate

2. Add an Apostille, if requested by the receiving country or authority

3. Translate the certificate and Apostille into the required language

4. Submit the full document package

   
   

However, not every case is the same. Some authorities may not require an Apostille. Others may require both Apostille and certified translation.

What should you ask before starting?

Before ordering anything, ask the receiving authority:

• Do you require an Apostille?

• Should the Apostille be added before translation?

• What language should the translation be in?

• Do you accept a certified translation from Cyprus?

• Do you need the original, a certified copy, or a scan?

  
  

How LexiTrue can help

LexiTrue Translations helps you understand the translation side of the process clearly, so your documents are prepared properly for official use.

Not sure whether you need an Apostille, a certified translation, or both? Send us the document and tell us where it will be submitted. We will help you identify the right next step.