FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a certified translation?

A certified translation can only be made by a certified translator. Mettaal provides the best solution for your questions regarding certified translations.

 

What is a certified translation?

A certified translation is a translation that has been translated and signed by a certified translator. A certified translator has to keep learning continuously.
The translation must also be inextricably linked to the source text. This ensures that no one will add extra information after the translation is completed. That is why it is often done for official documents. It gives government agencies and companies greater assurance that the information is reliable.

 

Do I need a certified translation?

It depends. For a website translation, a certified translation really won't be necessary. Governments, such as the municipality, often do require a certified translation. This gives them more assurance that the translation has been made by someone who is actually authorised to do so and that the documents have not been tampered with. Documents that often require a certified translation include birth certificates, diplomas and marriage certificates. Articles of association and extracts from the Chamber of Commerce sometimes also need to be translated by a certified translator.

 

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is used to indicate that the person who signed a document is authorised to do so. An Apostille can be issued on the signature of a certified translator for example. When an Apostille is issued, it indicates that the translator is registered as a certified translator and is authorised to issue a certified translation. In the Netherlands, Dutch courts issue an Apostille.

 

Do I need an Apostille?

Whether you need an Apostille on a certified translation depends on who the translation is for and for which country it is needed. If you are in doubt whether an Apostille is required, please check with the person who needs the certified translation.
In our experience, an Apostille is needed more often in southern countries. Sometimes even legalisation is required. Please note that not every country is party to the Apostille Convention.

 

What is the difference between an Apostille and a legalisation?

Where countries are party to the Apostille convention, an Apostille is sufficient to indicate that the certified translator is authorised to make a certified translation. In the Netherlands, every certified translator is registered. When issuing an Apostille, the courts check whether the name and signature appear in the register. If everything checks out, the Apostille will be issued.

You can check which countries are members of the Apostille Convention via this link: Countries that are party to the Apostille convention | NederlandWereldwijd

In the Netherlands, Apostilles can be issued in Dutch, German, English, French, Italian and Spanish.

If a document is needed for a country that has not signed the Apostille Convention, legalisation is required. A legalisation consists of 3 steps:

1. Legalisation stamp through a Dutch court
2. Legalisation stamp through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
3. Legalisation stamp via the consulate or embassy for the country where the certified translation is to be used

Mettaal is happy to help you with this. We can take care of all the steps for you or help you do it yourself.