Translations are required for a variety of personal, corporate or legal purposes. However, it can be tricky to understand what type of translation is needed in a specific circumstance.
In this article, we’ll explain apostilled translations in some detail and compare them to other types of translations.
Let’s begin with the primary use of apostilled translations
Apostilled translations are required when you need to present official documents to public authorities outside Malta. For example, if you have documents in French and need to present them to a public authority in the UK, then you will need an apostille and not “just a translation”.
The takeaway here is that apostilles are required whenever a translation is to be presented for official use in a country which is different to the one where the translation was carried out.
Why do we need apostilles?
If we need to narrow down the reason behind the existence of apostilled translations to a single word, this would be ‘trust’. Apostilled translations provide officials from the recipient country a legal basis under international law to trust that the translator is officially qualified and certified in their home country.
This intrinsic level of trust stems from the signing of the 1961 Hague Convention that recognised apostilles as a certificate of authenticity. As a result, apostilles are used and accepted in 124 nations across the globe, including Malta.
Are ISO 17100 compliant translations automatically apostilled?
No, ISO 17100 compliant translations are not apostilled “out of the box”.
Translations that are carried out according to ISO 17100 standards are accurate, reliable, and of very high quality. To achieve this high standard, content must be translated by a qualified translator, and revised by a separate reviser in accordance with the “four-eyes principle”.
Transcripta is certified and fully compliant with the ISO 17100 quality standard for translation services.
Once the translation has been completed, an additional process is required in order for the translation to be apostilled if you need to present your certified translation abroad.
What about other types of Transcripta translation services?
At Transcripta, we offer several other categories of translations.
Uncertified translations, for example, are commonly used for informational, informal, or unofficial purposes.
Standard certified translations, meanwhile, are used when presenting official documents to Maltese authorities or institutions.
However, once again, neither type of translation service includes an apostille. This would need to be obtained separately.
Do I need an apostilled translation for my document?
Avoid the stress of trying to figure out whether your document needs an apostilled or another type of translation and get in touch with Transcripta.
Our team of professional translators can provide you with the necessary solution and even handle the entire process, whether you need an apostilled translation, or not. We are trusted by hundreds of individuals, businesses, and public bodies, and we look forward to helping you too.
