Certified vs. Non-Certified Italian Legal Translations

When it comes to translating legal documents from English to Italian (or vice versa), the question of certification often arises. Is a certified translation necessary, or is a non-certified version sufficient? For law firms, businesses, and individuals involved in legal processes, understanding the difference is crucial, as each type serves different purposes and meets specific legal requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of certified and non-certified Italian legal translations, including when each type is required and how they differ in terms of process, quality, and validity.

What Is a Certified Translation?A certified translation is a translated document that comes with a declaration from the translator or translation service attesting to its accuracy and completeness. This declaration is signed, dated, and sometimes even notarized, depending on the requirements. Certified translations are typically required for official or legal purposes, where accuracy is paramount, such as in courts, government agencies, and immigration offices.
In Italy, certification of translations is commonly required for documents intended for public and legal authorities, including:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
• Court rulings and legal judgments
• Contracts and affidavits
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Corporate documents for official filings

These translations assure authorities that the content of the document is an exact and accurate representation of the original, without any omission or addition that could affect its meaning.
How Are Certified Translations Processed in Italy?For an Italian certified translation to be valid, the translator must follow specific procedures, such as:

1. Translator’s Certification Statement: The translator attaches a signed statement declaring their qualifications and attesting to the accuracy of the translation.
2. Sworn Translation: In some cases, a sworn translation (traduzione giurata) is required. Here, the translator appears before a public official or at a court, swears an oath to the accuracy of the translation, and signs the document under penalty of perjury.
3. Apostille or Legalization (for International Use): If the certified document will be used internationally, it may need to be further validated with an Apostille or legalization, depending on the countries involved.

These steps ensure the certified translation’s credibility, allowing it to be accepted by courts and governmental entities.

What Is a Non-Certified Translation?A non-certified translation is a standard translation without any formal declaration of accuracy. While it is still completed by a professional translator and should be accurate, it lacks the additional certification or sworn statement. Non-certified translations are often sufficient for documents intended for informational purposes or internal business use.
Examples of situations where a non-certified legal translation might be sufficient include:

• Internal company documents like emails, reports, or training materials
• Preliminary drafts of contracts before finalizing and signing
• Legal research documents or case studies that do not require submission to a court

In these cases, the focus is on clear, accurate communication rather than legal validation. Non-certified translations are generally faster and less costly because they don’t involve additional procedures.


When Do You Need a Certified Translation?In Italy, a certified translation is necessary whenever the document is part of a legal or governmental process. Here are some common situations where certification is required:

1. Court Cases: All foreign-language documents submitted to Italian courts need to be certified to ensure accurate and complete representation of their content.
2. Immigration Procedures: Documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or criminal records require certification when submitted for visa or citizenship applications.
3. Academic Credentials: Italian universities or professional boards may require certified translations of diplomas or transcripts for admission or credential evaluations.
4. Business Filings: If a foreign company is setting up in Italy, certified translations of registration documents, articles of incorporation, and financial records are typically required.

Failing to provide a certified translation when required can lead to delays or rejection of the document by authorities.
Advantages of Working with a Certified Legal TranslatorUsing a professional certified Italian legal translator for legal documents offers several advantages:

• Accuracy and Reliability: Certified translators are trained to handle legal terminology and understand the implications of each word choice in both languages.
• Compliance with Legal Standards: Certified translators know the procedural requirements for certified translations, ensuring that the documents meet the standards set by Italian authorities.
• Confidentiality: Professional legal translators are accustomed to handling sensitive information, which is essential when translating confidential legal documents.

Choosing the Right Translation for Your NeedsWhen deciding between a certified and a non-certified translation, consider the document’s purpose, the requirements of the authority it will be submitted to, and any international use. Certified translations are indispensable for official matters, whereas non-certified translations are ideal for internal communications or preliminary document reviews.
If in doubt, consult with our professional Italian legal translator who can advise on the most appropriate option based on the document’s use.