Is the translator really sworn? How to check

Why to check at the source

Registers change: people are added, suspend their activity or are removed. We therefore deliberately keep no copy of our own and link to the competent authorities instead.

Always check the language, not just the name. Authorisation is tied to a language: in Czechia, for example, a translator may only translate in the language for which they are authorised (Act No 354/2019 Sb., § 4(1)). An entry for Russian therefore does not cover a Ukrainian document.

Germany

The joint database of the state justice administrations lists sworn, certified or publicly appointed interpreters and translators. Each state sets its own criteria. You can search by name, municipality and language; an entry shows, among other things, working languages and contact details.

Austria

The list of court interpreters (Gerichtsdolmetscherliste) is kept by the Federal Ministry of Justice and available via JustizOnline. You can search by language, federal province and court district, and in full text. An entry is first valid for five years and is extended on application (recertification, § 6(1) in conjunction with § 14 SDG).

Belgium

The national register of translators, interpreters and translator-interpreters is based on the Law of 10 April 2014. You can search by language, name and VTI number.

The Netherlands

The Rbtv is kept by Bureau Wbtv. The public register can be searched by name, Wbtv number, language combination and postcode. Registration is for five years and can be renewed (Article 8(1) Wbtv).

Poland

The list of tłumacze przysięgli is kept by the Minister of Justice (Article 6(2) of the Act on the profession of sworn translator). You can search by surname, type of translation, city and language.

Czechia

The register is at seznat.justice.cz, and the Ministry also publishes it as open data. Act No 354/2019 Sb. distinguishes soudní tlumočník and soudní překladatel (§ 2) — check which entry you are looking at.

Spain

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the list of Traductores e Intérpretes Jurados, arranged alphabetically by language; access is free of charge.

If there is no entry

Check the spelling of the name, possible name changes and whether you are searching the register of the country where the person says they are registered. Ask for the register number and the country of registration and check both in that register.

And Switzerland?

Switzerland is not listed here. In the canton of Geneva, for example, a dedicated cantonal law governs the traducteurs-jurés (LTJ).

How certification works in Switzerland instead

Where Lingverra fits in

Lingverra does not replace a sworn appointment and keeps no register of its own. The software handles the routine of translating; registration, signature and certification stay with the authorised person.

Read more: Why Authorities Reject Certified Translations: A 7-Point Checklist