• You need a sworn translation if the document must be submitted to an official organisation. Examples include:
• various deeds and certificates (purchase, birth, marriage, death, etc.)
• diplomas, attestations
• extracts (municipalities, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
• contracts and court orders
• powers of attorney, divorce records and certificates of no impediment
• Articles of Association
• agreements
• wills and testaments
• statements and affidavits (inheritance/succession, conduct, etc.)

Procedure:

A sworn translation is preferably based on the original document. To avoid loss of the original document or source text, it must always be delivered in person (courier) or by registered mail. Upon receipt, a copy is made of the original document. The final translation is attached to that copy by means of a seal. The sealed documents form the actual certified translation. The original and the sealed, certified translation are subsequently returned to the client.

Despite this meticulous procedure, the official body may still require submission of the original document. Always ask for a receipt of submission if that is indeed the case. It is recommended to make enquiries about the actual procedure with the authorities involved in advance.