Certified Translation or Professional Translation – What Do You Need?

For most individuals who need documents translated, a translation performed by a professional translator is sufficient. Certified translations are only required in certain situations, particularly when documents will be used in specific countries or when a public authority explicitly requires it.

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These terms are often used interchangeably, and requirements vary between countries and institutions. To avoid delays and unnecessary costs, it is important to understand the differences.

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Translations Performed by Professional Translators

A professional translation is an accurate and reliable translation carried out by a qualified translator.

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At TolkeNett, translations are performed by experienced professional translators and delivered with our stamp and signature. This confirms that the translation is a faithful representation of the original document and is suitable for use in Norway.

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Professional translations are accepted by:

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• police
• UDI
  
• HK-dir (the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills)
• employers
• educational institutions
• banks and insurance companies
• other public authorities in Norway

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This applies as long as there is no explicit requirement for a certified translation. In some cases, particularly in legal proceedings or when specific authorities require it, additional formal certification may be necessary. However, this must always be clearly stated by the receiving authority.

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For most private individuals who need translations of diplomas, certificates, contracts, birth certificates, or other personal documents for use in Norway, a professional translation will be the correct and sufficient choice.

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Translations Performed by a Certified Translator

A certified translation is performed by a state-authorized translator who has passed the official certification exam at NHH Norwegian School of Economics and is authorized to stamp and sign translations according to Norwegian regulations.

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When a translation is stamped and signed by a certified translator, the translator confirms on behalf of public authorities that the text is a correct and complete rendering of the original document. This gives the translation a formal status (similar to notarized translations in some countries), which may be required in certain situations, particularly when documents are used abroad.

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A certified translation may be required when the receiving authority explicitly requests it, for example in cases such as:

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• applications for citizenship

• certain legal proceedings

• use of documents in some European countries

• situations where foreign authorities impose specific requirements

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It is important to note that certified translations are not the general rule. Many people order them without actually needing them, which can result in higher costs and longer delivery times.

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It is also worth noting that Norway does not have certified translators for every language. In such cases, it is necessary to clarify which alternatives are accepted by the receiving authority.

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Notary Public Confirmation

A notary public stamp can be obtained at district courts (or the Oslo City Recorder’s Office in Oslo). This means that a public official confirms the translator’s signature.

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Notary confirmation is typically used when documents are intended for use abroad. The process usually involves several steps: the translator signs the document, the notary public confirms that the document is valid for use in Norway, and the document may then need to be legalized for use abroad.

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Legalisation of Documents for Use Abroad

Documents intended for use abroad must often be confirmed as valid by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD). This can be done by visiting their office in Oslo and having the document legalized during the same working day. Another option is to send the documents to the Ministry by post together with a prepaid return envelope.

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However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has delegated much of the responsibility for document legalization to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren). You can therefore visit your local County Governor’s office to obtain an apostille for documents that will be used in countries that have ratified the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.

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An apostille confirms that the document was issued by a public authority or that the signature of a public official – for example a notary public – is genuine.

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Countries that are not part of the Apostille Convention require confirmation directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In such cases, it is always advisable to check the specific requirements with the authorities in the receiving country or with the relevant consulate in Norway.

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Requirements Are Determined by the Receiving Authority

There is no single standard that applies to all countries and documents. Different authorities and institutions may set different requirements – even within the same country.

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For this reason, we always recommend clarifying the formal requirements with the receiving authority before ordering a translation. This reduces the risk of having to translate the document again.

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In most cases, translations performed by a professional translator will be sufficient – especially for use in Norway. Certified translations should only be ordered when there is a specific requirement for them.

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At Tolkenett, we assist both individuals and organizations with translations that meet the relevant requirements. We assess the type of document, language, and intended use, and guide you so that you order the right type of translation – without paying for more than necessary.

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Are you unsure about what is required in your situation? Contact us at oversetting@tolkenett.no – we are happy to help you before you place an order, ensuring that your document is handled correctly from start to finish.