Handled by an expert translator, accredited by the Ministry of Justice, a sworn translation is certified to be equivalent to the original source document. Called a “sworn translation” or a “certified translation”, once the translation is completed, it has the same legal value as an official document in the eyes of foreign administrative authorities.

In order to obtain the mention “translation certified to be conforming to the original”, a sworn translation must always be accompanied by a stamp, the date and the signature of the sworn translator.

A sworn translation can be requested for a number of types of documents: civil acts, scholarly, legal, administrative, work , sales, transportation, or even technical documents.

Certification by other authorities

In certain foreign countries, but also in Montenegro, further steps and certifications, beyond a sworn translation, may be requested. These could include certification or an apostil by the public notary or a government authority. This shouldn’t be confused with the term “certified translation”.

Unlike a sworn translation which only requires the skills of an expert translator, certification requires a third party who will verify that the document copy is authentic. Once validated by a notary or the basic court, the certification also ensures that the copy of a document perfectly corresponds to the original text.

Recognized expert translators and interpreters

Sworn translations require a lot of knowledge in linguistics, terminology and legislation. These translations follow a specific ethical code and precise rules. They use and follow a quality charter for the page formatting of translated text. Recognized as “expert translators-interpreters”, or “sworn translators- interpreters” or “court translators- interpreters”, the translators who handle sworn translations become judicial experts as well, working either in translation agencies, or as independents.

For any request of a sworn translation, from Montenegrin to a foreign language, you can find information on Montenegrin laws on the website of the Ministry of Justice. To find sworn translators in your area, you can consult the list of sworn-translators from the Ministry of Justice website.