If you are dealing with Czech authorities, you may come across the term court translation, certified translation or official translation. But when do you actually need one?
A certified translation is required when a Czech authority or another institution needs a document to have official legal status.
What is a court translation?
In the Czech Republic, a court translation is an officially certified translation prepared by a court translator authorised by the Czech Ministry of Justice.
The translator confirms that the translation corresponds to the original document and adds a certification clause and the required certification.
And despite the name, you do not need a court translation only for court proceedings.
When do you need a certified translation?
Typical examples include:
- birth, marriage and divorce certificates
- diplomas and school certificates
- criminal record certificates
- powers of attorney and contracts
- documents for visas and residence permits
- documents required for marriage in the Czech Republic
- documents submitted to Czech courts or public authorities
However, not every document needs a certified translation. A university, employer, bank or private company may accept an ordinary translation.
The requirements depend on the institution receiving the document. There can also be exceptions based on international agreements. For example, many Czech and Slovak public documents can be used in the Czech Republic without an official translation.
What should you do before ordering a translation?
My advice is simple: always check what type of translation the receiving authority requires.
This is especially important if you are dealing with immigration, marriage, education or legal matters. Getting the requirements right from the beginning can save you both time and money.
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