Make sure that your foreign documents are accepted at any institution! If you are planning to study abroad, obtain dual citizenship or sign an international contract, you will almost certainly need a Sworn Translation (also called Public Translation).
But what exactly is this service and why is it indispensable? UNO Traduções has prepared this complete guide for you to understand:
• What gives legal validity to a document in another language.
• Who the only professionals authorized to carry out this work are.
• The difference between a sworn document and an apostilled document.
Monitor and ensure that your documentation is 100% compliant with national and international laws.
What is a Sworn Translation?
A Sworn Translation is the official version of a foreign document in Portuguese or vice versa. It is the only type of translation recognized by law in Brazil for official purposes, and gives legal value to your document in another country.
Who can do it?
Only Public Translators and Commercial Interpreters (TPIC, in the Portuguese acronym), who have passed a public examination and are enrolled with State Commerce Registries of Brazil (JUCESP, JUCERJA, etc.), can carry out this service.
Do not accept risks: The Sworn Translation must be faithful to the original document and follow a standard format, including:
1. Opening header with the translator’s data.
2. Body of the text.
3. Closure with the translator’s signature, stamp and registration number.
We reinforce that, at UNO: We work with a network of sworn translators who are qualified and enrolled with all the Commerce Registries in Brazil, guaranteeing the authenticity and acceptance of your document. Sworn translations are quoted per standard page.
When is it required?
A Sworn Translation is a legal requirement for documents submitted to:
• Immigration Bodies and Consulates: Visa, dual citizenship (Italy, Portugal, etc.) and residency applications, as well as processes before entities such as USCIS (USA) and IRCC (Canada).
• Educational Institutions: Enrollment in universities in Brazil or abroad (diplomas, official transcripts, declarations).
• Courts and Notary Offices: Judicial processes, inventories, marriages.
• Companies: International tenders, business contracts, powers of attorney.
Examples of Common Documents: Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates, Diplomas, Official Transcripts, Brazilian Driver’s Licenses (CNH), Contracts and Technical Reports.
Understand the Counting: Standard Page is Transparency
A common mistake is to think that the translation is charged “per sheet.” In fact, the calculation is made by Standard Page, which is the official metric that guarantees transparent budgets.
At UNO, we adopt a meticulous protocol, with state-of-the-art software, to count the exact number of characters (the Standard Page), ensuring that your budget reflects the actual volume of work, without you paying extra for spaces or formatting.
The Role of the Hague Apostille
Documents translated for international use generally need an extra step: the Hague Apostille.
What is the Apostille?
It is a certificate issued by a Notary Office to attest the authenticity of the signature of the person who signed the document, be it the authority that issued the original version or the Sworn Translator who did the translation.
• Purpose: It simplifies and speeds up the recognition of documents between countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention, eliminating the bureaucracy of consular legalization.
• It is required for: Virtually all documents destined for abroad, such as diplomas for study in Europe or certificates for immigration processes in the USA.
Attention: Both the original document and its sworn translation may need to be apostilled. At UNO, we will guide you through the whole process.
Frequently Asked Questions and UNO’s Advantages
1. Can the sworn translation be digital?
Yes. Most Commerce Registries already authorize the digital version, signed with an ICP-Brasil (Brazilian Public Key Infrastructure) certificate, which guarantees legal validity and speeds up delivery.
2. Can I send pictures of the document?
Yes, as long as they are clear and complete (front and back, if there is any) so that the translator can swear to the copy faithfully.
3. How long does it take to get the translation ready?
The average time varies from 2 to 5 working days, depending on the language and on the volume of text. We offer emergency options for tighter deadlines.
Advantages of hiring UNO Traduções:
• Global Compliance: Our translations strictly comply with the requirements of agencies — such as USCIS (USA) and IRCC (Canada) —, consulates and embassies.
• Agility and Secrecy: Optimized processes for fast delivery and full guarantee of the General Data Protection Act (GDPA). Your documents are confidential and secure.
• Advisory Services: Our team offers complete guidance on Standard Page, Apostilles and the translation process. We understand with you the functionality of the translation to avoid any unforeseen and unnecessary expenses.
Sworn Translations require the utmost precision, legal compliance and responsibility. Hiring a professional service means ensuring that your immigration, study or business project is not paralyzed by a documentation error.
At UNO Traduções, we take care of technical and legal rigor so that you can focus on your goals.
Ready to take the next step and ensure the validity of your documents?