Apostille vs Certified Translation
Michael Soucek·Last reviewed: May 2026
Educational information only — not legal advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant government authority, consulate, or registry office.
An apostille and a certified translation are not the same thing. Many citizenship-by-descent applications may require one or both, depending on the country and the documents involved.
Apostille
Authenticates the origin of a document for international use
Certified Translation
Translates the content of a document from one language to another
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille authenticates the origin of a public document for international use. It does not translate the document. It does not prove that the information inside the document is true. It confirms that the signature, seal, or official capacity on the document can be recognized under the apostille system.
Examples of documents that may need an apostille:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Court records
- Naturalization records
- Name change orders
What Is a Certified Translation?
A certified translation translates the content of a document from one language into another. For example, a U.S. birth certificate may need to be translated into Italian, German, Hungarian, Polish, or another language depending on the country.
A certified translation usually includes a statement from the translator or translation company confirming that the translation is accurate.
Which One Comes First?
The order can matter. Some countries want the apostille translated too. Others only require the main document to be translated.
Before ordering translations, check the instructions from the relevant consulate or government authority.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking that an apostille replaces a translation — it does not.
- Translating a document before knowing whether the apostille also needs to be translated.
- Ordering translations from unqualified translators when a certified or sworn translator is required.
Simple difference:
- An apostille authenticates the document.
- A certified translation translates the document.
- Some applications require both.