Sworn Translation: Complete Guide

Introduction

A sworn translation, also called a certified translation, is an essential service that transforms your foreign documents into papers officially recognized by Italian authorities.
When your future in Italy depends on the legal validity of your original documents, a sworn translation becomes the bridge between your past and your Italian aspirations.

This service is necessary for:

• Italian citizenship applications
• Recognition of foreign academic degrees
• Marriage or civil union procedures
• Starting a business or professional activity
• Any official procedure that requires foreign documents in Italian

With a sworn translation, your documents gain full legal value in Italy, allowing you to move forward confidently with your plans.

Who can request it

Sworn translation can be requested by:

• Foreign citizens with documents to be presented to Italian authorities
• Italian citizens with foreign documents for official procedures
• Companies and professionals needing translated legal or commercial papers
• Students seeking recognition of foreign academic titles
• Anyone needing to make foreign documents legally valid in Italy

Required documents

To request a sworn translation you need:

• The original document or a certified copy
• Apostille or legalization of the original (if required by the destination)
• Applicant’s ID (passport or ID card)
• The intended use of the translated document (e.g., Consulate, Ministry, Court)

📌 Note: sworn translations must be carried out by a translator registered with the local Court.

Processing times

Timelines depend on the document type, language, and period of the year:

• 3–5 business days for standard translations
• 1–2 business days for urgent requests
• 7–10 business days for complex documents (notarial deeds, judgments)
• +2–3 days for filing and certification at the Court

⚠️ August and December may involve longer processing times due to holidays.

How to apply

Requests for sworn translations can be handled directly through Future Italian, which assigns the job to professional translators registered with the Court.

The process includes:

1. Sending the document to be translated
2. Receiving a personalized quote
3. Confirming the order
4. Translation by a sworn translator
5. Filing at the Court for certification
6. Delivery of the certified translation, ready for use

Final stage

Once completed, the translation is:

• 📑 Filed at the competent Court together with the original document
• 🖊️ Certified by the Clerk of Court, who validates the conformity of the translation
• ✅ Stamped and signed to give it official legal value
• 📂 Delivered to the applicant, ready for use with Italian authorities

👉 From the moment of court certification, the document has full and permanent legal validity for official use in Italy.

Conclusion

A sworn translation is the key to making your foreign documents officially valid in Italy. By choosing Future Italian, every step — from translation to Court certification — is handled by qualified professionals, ensuring your papers are compliant, recognized, and ready for use in all official procedures.