What is the difference between regular and certified translation?
Regular translation is cheaper and sufficient for the personal needs of an individual client or within a company. In most cases, you will receive the translated document electronically in the same format as provided.
Certified translation (so-called "sworn" translation) is performed when the accuracy of the translation must be officially confirmed with the original. In Poland, such translation services can only be provided by a sworn translator of a given language entered into the list maintained by the Minister for Justice after passing a state exam. Most often, you will see this type of translation in courts or administrative bodies - as part of proceedings conducted by those entities, regular translation will not suffice. The rules for preparing certified translations are more rigorous, and unlike regular translations, they also include the sworn translator's annotations.
Depending on your needs, I can provide you with both regular and certified translations.
How are translated documents delivered?
Regular translations will be delivered electronically while maintaining the formatting of the source document.
Sworn translations will be delivered to you: 1) by courier if you choose the traditional written form or 2) via email in the form of a pdf file with a qualified electronic signature if you opt for the electronic form.
Under Polish law, a qualified electronic signature (QES) is equivalent to a handwritten signature, and the certification is equally valid as in the traditional stamped-and-signed version (however, remember that the signature only works electronically and loses its validity when the document is printed).
You should arrange the method of submitting an electronically signed document to a public body or court directly with these entities. In most cases, it can be done by an email address of the relevant department, the ePUAP system or the court information portal, or alternatively, via a physical data carrier such as a flash drive.
Can a certified translation be done based solely on a scanned copy of a document?
Yes, but then the certification formula in the translated document will state that the translation was drawn up based on a copy (scan) of the original document. Courts and some administrative authorities may require a certified translation based on the original document.
If you prefer the certification of the translated document to be based on the original, please send the original document by courier or post. In this case, I will return your original document together with the translation in one package. You will receive further instructions for document sending when placing the order.
Sending the original document by courier will not delay the completion of your order, as I can already start working on the scan or electronic file provided. However, I must have access to the original document no later than at the time of certifying the translation and sending back the documents.
How does the ordering and payment process work? Will I receive a VAT invoice?
After submitting your document (in the form of an electronic file or scan) via the form or to my email, you will receive a free quote. Upon confirmation of your order, I will issue a VAT invoice that can be paid directly through the link provided in the invoice (e.g. by card, mobile payment, bank transfer, etc.). Payments must be made in advance.
For ongoing business cooperation, we can arrange monthly settlement periods. When placing an order, you can provide your TAX/VAT number if you run a business, it will be added to the invoice.
Certified translations must additionally be recorded in the sworn translator's register. I will ask for all the necessary information upon the confirmation of your translation order.
Frequently asked questions
Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about the types of translations and their delivery methods.
Cyprian Liske
Law & Translation
I offer professional legal and business translation in the English-Polish language pair.
TP 75/24, NIP (tax ID): 6793202999.