Sworn translations with apostille

An apostille is a special certificate that authenticates the signature, function of the person signing the document, and the authenticity of the official stamp on a public document. This authentication process allows the document to be used in other countries that signed the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. The apostille replaces the lengthy process of consular superlegalization and significantly simplifies administrative procedures related to international document recognition.

An apostille can be affixed to a wide range of public documents, such as:

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Personal documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates.

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Educational documents: Diplomas, school-leaving certificates, diploma supplements, examination records.

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Legal documents: Court rulings, powers of attorney, expert opinions.

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Business documents: Company founding documents, extracts from the commercial register.

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Other documents: Criminal record extracts, notarized certificates, translation disclaimers issued by court translators.

An apostille on sworn translations is necessary if you plan to use a translated document abroad. This form of authentication confirms the authenticity of the signature, the function of the official, and the seal on the original document, ensuring that sworn translations are accepted by foreign authorities and institutions.

Use of the document abroad: The apostille ensures that a sworn translation is legally recognized outside Slovakia. For example, if you translate a Slovak criminal record extract into German for submission to German authorities, the apostille is necessary to ensure its acceptance.

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Multiple translations: If a document is translated through multiple languages, the apostille guarantees the legality of each step. For example, if a document is translated from Ukrainian to Slovak and then to Hungarian, an apostille on the Slovak translation ensures its recognition in Hungary.

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Ensuring the authenticity of the translated document: For sworn translations, an apostille is required not only to confirm the authenticity of the original document but also to certify the authenticity of the translation performed by a certified translator. This reassures foreign authorities that the translation is accurate and carried out by a qualified professional.

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Universal use: Apostilled sworn translations are necessary in various situations, such as:
🔹 Immigration procedures
🔹 Court proceedings abroad
🔹 Studying at foreign universities.

One of the most common situations requiring an apostille or legalization of a translation is cooperation between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic has more sworn translators than Slovakia, enabling us to cover less common languages such as Azerbaijani, Georgian, or Tajik.

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How does it work? If you have a document in a language for which there is no sworn translator in Slovakia, we use official Czech translators. First, the document is translated into Czech and receives an apostille issued in the Czech Republic. This translation can then be translated into Slovak and used in Slovak offices.

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Why is this solution beneficial? Thanks to this cooperation, we offer the widest range of sworn translations in Slovakia, even for less common languages. We manage the entire process—from document translation, apostille certification in the Czech Republic, to its subsequent use in Slovak offices.

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A solution for everyone. If Slovak sworn translators are unavailable or the language is not offered in Slovakia, we rely on verified Czech translators. In addition to the translation itself, we handle all necessary checks and ensure that your document is accepted by Slovak authorities without complications. The advantage is that Czech is readily accepted by Slovak authorities, further simplifying the process.

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Explore our language offerings. Our language offerings cover a wide range of possibilities. To learn more, check out our list of available languages.

Example 1: Translation for German authorities

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You need to translate a Slovak criminal record extract into German and submit it to the German authorities.
🔹 An apostille must be affixed to the original Slovak document (criminal record extract).
🔹 If the German authorities also require the translation to be certified, the signature and seal of the sworn translator must also be apostilled.

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Example 2: Multiple translations (Ukrainian → Slovak → Hungarian)

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You have a document in Ukrainian that you want to use in Hungary. The document is first translated into Slovak and then from Slovak into Hungarian.
🔹 To ensure the Slovak translation is accepted, an apostille must be affixed to the original Ukrainian document.
🔹 After translation into Slovak, the document must be apostilled in Slovakia so that the Hungarian authorities accept it.
🔹 The apostille on the Slovak translation guarantees that Hungarian authorities recognize the entire process as legally valid.

International recognition: Allows the document to be used in countries that signed the Hague Convention.

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Simplifies the process: Replaces the complex consular superlegalization.

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Legal guarantee: Confirms the authenticity of the document and translation, minimizing the risk of rejection by authorities.

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Universal use: Apostilled documents are required for immigration procedures, court proceedings, studying, or recognition of qualifications abroad.

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Apostille certification is an essential part of using sworn translations abroad. Without it, the document may be rejected, significantly delaying the process. With it, you ensure a smooth administrative process in the destination country.

An apostille guarantees that your sworn translation will be recognized as a legally binding document abroad. It is a key step in ensuring that your documents can be used without issues in offices, schools, or court proceedings outside the Slovak Republic. If you plan to use a sworn translation abroad, apostille certification is an essential part of the process.

An apostille is an important step in ensuring the legal recognition of your translated document abroad. If you need to certify the apostille for a translation or the original document, follow these steps.

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1. Obtaining a public document

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The first step is to obtain the original public document that needs to be translated and apostilled.
🔹 Examples of public documents: birth and marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, diplomas, court rulings.
🔹 If you do not yet have such a document, obtain it from the relevant authority (e.g., registry office, court, school, or other competent institution).

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2. Verification of signature and seal on the document

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To obtain an apostille for a public document, it must be verified. This confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal of the official who issued the document. Where to verify:
🔹 District courts or regional offices verify documents issued by notaries, sworn translators, registrars, or local authorities.

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3. Translation of the public document by a sworn translator

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If the document is intended for use abroad, it must be translated by a sworn translator.
🔹 Important: The public document must be translated before its translation can be apostilled.
🔹 The sworn translator ensures that the translation is securely attached to the original document or its certified copy.
🔹 After translation, the sworn translator’s signature and seal must be certified (see step 4).

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4. Apostille processing at the relevant authority

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Each type of document requires an apostille from a specific authority. The responsible institution depends on who issued or certified the document:
🔹 Regional courts – For documents issued by district courts, judicial officers, sworn translators, or experts.
🔹 Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic – For rulings from regional courts and the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic.
🔹 Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic – For documents issued by the Ministry of the Interior, such as citizenship documents.
🔹 Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic – For diplomas, school-leaving certificates, and educational documents.
🔹 District offices – For civil status registration documents and documents issued by local authorities.
🔹 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic – For all other public documents.

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5. Payment of fees for apostille certification

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Apostille certification requires an administrative fee, which depends on the type of document and the issuing authority.


Standard fee: The fee for an apostille from a district court or the Ministry of Justice is 10 €. The fee for certifying an official seal or official signature for consular superlegalization is 5 € per certified official signature or official seal. If the document has one official signature and one official seal, the total fee is 10 €.

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Where to pay:
🔹 An electronic stamp can be purchased at eKolky.
🔹 Fees can also be paid in cash at Slovak post offices.

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6. Apostille certification and document readiness

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Once the apostille is affixed, the document is ready for use abroad. The apostille confirms the authenticity of the original document and the translator’s signature, ensuring its legal recognition in Hague Convention countries.

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By following the correct procedure, you ensure the legal validity of your document and translation, as well as its seamless acceptance by foreign authorities. If you need assistance with apostille certification, please contact us—we will be happy to advise you and handle all necessary arrangements.

If you need an apostille for your translated document, we will be happy to arrange it for you at a price of just 20 €. We take care of the entire process, from verifying the authenticity of the public document to obtaining the apostille from the competent authority.

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Use our services to receive professional assistance that will save you time and hassle. Your documents and translations will be legally recognized abroad, no matter where you need to use them. Contact us today for a fast and reliable solution to your apostille certification needs.