What Is a Certified Translation and When Is It Required? (2026)
Certified translation of official documents for embassies and government entities in Egypt
A certified translation is a complete and accurate translation of a document, accompanied by a signed or stamped statement from a professional translator or translation office confirming its accuracy. Embassies, universities, courts, ministries and employers require it whenever they must rely on a document written in another language. This guide explains what certification includes, how it differs from sworn and notarised translation, and when you need it.
What a certified translation includes
- A full translation of the entire document – text, stamps, seals, signatures and notes.
- A statement that the translation is complete and accurate.
- The translator's or translation office's stamp, signature and contact details.
- A copy of the original attached, so the two can be compared.
Certification confirms the accuracy of the translation – not the authenticity of the original document.
Certified, sworn, notarised and legalised: the differences
| Type | What it means | Typically required by |
|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | Professional translator or office certifies accuracy | Most embassies, universities and authorities in Egypt, IRCC, US Embassy |
| Sworn translation | Translator sworn before a court in their country | Some authorities in continental Europe and Latin America |
| Notarised translation | A notary witnesses the translator's signature or affidavit | Certain affidavits and some foreign authorities |
| Legalisation / apostille | Confirms the signature or seal on the original public document | Documents used in another country |
Egypt is not a party to the Apostille Convention, according to the HCCH Apostille Convention status table, so Egyptian documents for use abroad are usually authenticated by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalised by the destination country's embassy instead of being apostilled.
When embassies require certified translation
Almost every embassy requires certified translations of documents not in its accepted languages – birth and marriage certificates, bank statements, employment letters and police certificates for visa files. Some, like Canada's IRCC, set detailed rules about who may translate. See our guides to the Canadian requirements and embassies in Cairo.
When universities require certified translation
Universities and admission platforms usually require certified translations of diplomas and transcripts in English or the language of instruction. Some accept translations issued by the university itself. See academic certificate translation in Egypt.
Other situations
- Courts and lawyers: contracts, judgments and powers of attorney in legal proceedings.
- Egyptian ministries and registries: foreign documents translated into Arabic for marriage registration, residence or company registration.
- Employers and licensing bodies: degrees, experience letters and professional licences.
- Banks and insurers: foreign financial, medical or identity documents.
For an earlier introduction, read what is a certified translation? and our overview of certified translation services in Egypt.
Frequently asked questions
Can I certify my own translation?
No, for most official purposes. Authorities expect an independent professional; many explicitly reject translations by applicants or relatives.
Is a certified translation the same as a notarised one?
No. Certification confirms accuracy; notarisation confirms the identity of the person signing. Only some authorities require notarisation.
Does a certified translation expire?
The translation itself does not expire, but authorities may require recently issued originals.
How do I know which type I need?
Check the receiving authority's written instructions, or send them to us and we will explain what they ask for.
Order a certified translation
Send your documents and tell us who will receive them, and we will confirm the format, price and delivery date:
- Phone / WhatsApp: +20 111 176 0177
- Email: Operation@cottranslation.com
- Branches in Maadi, Downtown Cairo and Mohandessin – see addresses and opening hours on our contact page.
Note: the information in this article is accurate as of the last-updated date above. Embassies, universities and authorities can change their requirements at any time, so always confirm the current rules on the official website of the receiving authority before you submit your documents.