Sworn vs standard translation: what is the difference?
A sworn translation is made by a translator who has taken the oath before a Dutch court and is listed in the Rbtv (Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators). It carries a signed statement and an official stamp. Only sworn translations are accepted by the IND, gemeenten and courts. A standard translation has no official legal status.
When you have to submit a document to a Dutch authority, you most likely need a sworn translation. But what exactly sets it apart from a standard translation, and when is a non-sworn version enough? This page compares the two so you can make the right choice.
Sworn translation vs standard translation — comparison
An overview of the main differences between a sworn and a standard translation
| Feature | Sworn translation | Standard translation |
|---|---|---|
| Translator | Court-sworn translator listed in the Rbtv register | Professional translator without sworn status |
| Statement and stamp | Signed sworn statement + official stamp | No statement or stamp |
| Legal validity | Recognised by all Dutch authorities | No official legal status |
| Use at the IND | Accepted for a visa and residence permit | Not accepted |
| Use at a gemeente or court | Accepted for civil-status and legal proceedings | Not accepted |
| Price (first page) | €39 (Dutch ↔ English/French), €59 other languages | Varies by translator |
| Standard delivery | 5–7 working days | 1–5 working days |
| Suitable for | Official procedures with government, the IND, courts, education | Information only, internal use, personal understanding |
Ready to continue? Acceptance guarantee, Rbtv-sworn, a reply within one working hour.
Key concepts explained
What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation is an official translation made by a translator who has taken the oath before a Dutch court and is entered in the Rbtv (Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators). It carries a signed sworn statement and an official stamp, which give it legal force in the Netherlands.
Sworn translations are recognised by every Dutch government authority, including the IND, gemeenten, the Belastingdienst (Tax Administration) and courts. The Sworn Interpreters and Translators Act (Wbtv) governs admission to the register and the supervision of sworn translators.
Source: Bureau Wbtv — Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators · Last updated:
How does it differ from a standard translation?
A standard translation is for information only and has no official status. No sworn statement is issued and the translator carries no statutory liability for accuracy. Dutch government and judicial authorities accept only sworn translations for official procedures.
For personal use, internal communication or background reading, a standard translation can be enough. The moment the document has to be submitted to a government authority or a court, a sworn translation is legally required.
Source: Rijksoverheid — information on sworn translations · Last updated:
Does the IND accept a standard translation?
No, the IND accepts only sworn translations from translators entered in the Rbtv. For visa and residence-permit applications, every non-Dutch document must be accompanied by a sworn translation.
This applies to passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas and any other document the IND requests as part of an application. A standard or non-sworn translation leads to rejection of the application.
Source: IND — Immigration and Naturalisation Service · Last updated:
When do I need a sworn translation?
You need a sworn translation when you have to submit a non-Dutch document to a Dutch government authority, court, educational institution or other official body — think of the IND, a gemeente, the Belastingdienst, a court or Nuffic.
Common situations include visa and residence-permit applications, naturalisation procedures, recognition of foreign diplomas, marrying or divorcing internationally, and presenting foreign documents in legal proceedings.
Source: Rijksoverheid · Last updated:
Who may produce a sworn translation?
Only translators entered in the Rbtv (Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators) who have taken the oath before a Dutch court may produce sworn translations. The register is kept by Bureau Wbtv on behalf of the Legal Aid Board.
You can search the Rbtv through the Bureau Wbtv website to check whether a translator is genuinely sworn for the relevant language pair. Translations from translators who are not registered are not accepted by government authorities.
Source: Bureau Wbtv · Last updated:
Is a digital sworn translation legally valid?
Yes, a digital sworn translation with a qualified electronic signature is fully legally valid in the Netherlands. Most authorities, including the IND and gemeenten, accept digital versions as a PDF.
In exceptional cases an authority may ask for a physical copy with a wet-ink signature, though this is increasingly rare. If in doubt, check beforehand which format the receiving authority requires.
Source: Rechtspraak.nl — digital proceedings · Last updated:
What does a sworn translation cost at Beëdigde Vertaling Online?
A sworn translation costs €39 for the first page for Dutch–English or Dutch–French. For all other language pairs the rate is €59 for the first page.
The rate covers the sworn statement, the official stamp and the signature; a digital copy by email (€9.95) and shipping are chosen separately. Express delivery is available. We have delivered more than 100,000 translations and are ready to assess your request seven days a week.
Last updated:
Frequently asked questions
What does a sworn statement contain?
In the sworn statement the translator declares that the translation is a faithful rendering of the original document, that they are authorised to make the translation, and that the stamp and signature are genuine. The statement is legally required in the Netherlands for every sworn translation.
Can I translate a document for the IND myself?
No, the IND does not accept self-made or non-sworn translations. You always need a translation from a translator who is entered in the Rbtv and sworn before a Dutch court.
How long does a sworn translation take?
Standard delivery is 5–7 working days. If you are in more of a hurry, express delivery in 2–3 working days is available as an option. We aim to answer your request within one working hour.
Is a sworn translation recognised outside the Netherlands too?
Within the EU, Dutch sworn translations are generally recognised. For use outside the EU, an apostille or consular legalisation may be required. We are happy to advise on the specific requirements of the destination country.
Do I have to send in the original document?
No, a clear scan or photo of the original document is enough. Every page, including stamps, signatures and seals, must be legible. You do not need to send in the original.
Which documents can be translated under oath?
Almost any official document can be translated under oath: birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, driving licences, passports, civil-status extracts, the Certificate of Conduct (VOG), medical reports, contracts and more. Get in touch if you are unsure whether your document qualifies.
How do I pay for a sworn translation?
You can pay by iDEAL, Wero, credit card or bank transfer. Payment is made in advance, after which we start the translation straight away. Business clients can pay on invoice by arrangement.
Is my data safe at Beëdigde Vertaling Online?
Yes, your documents and personal data are treated confidentially in line with the GDPR. Documents are stored encrypted and seen only by the translator handling them. Once the translation is complete, documents are deleted securely.
What if the authority rejects my translation?
We offer an acceptance guarantee: if a Dutch authority rejects your sworn translation because of its quality or layout, we correct the translation free of charge. We have delivered more than 100,000 translations that authorities have accepted.
Can I also receive the translation by post?
Yes. You can choose a digital copy by email (€9.95) and/or shipping of a physical copy by registered post. Physical shipping costs €9.95 within the Netherlands (free from a subtotal of €299). International shipping is available too.
How can I check whether a translator is sworn?
Through the Bureau Wbtv website (bureauwbtv.nl) you can search the Rbtv and check whether a translator is registered for the language pair you need. Every translator at Beëdigde Vertaling Online is demonstrably entered in the Rbtv.
What does a sworn translation look like?
A sworn translation consists of the source text (or a description of it), the translation, and a sworn statement in which the translator declares that the translation is faithful and complete. It carries the signature and official stamp of the Rbtv-registered translator. In most cases the translation is signed digitally and delivered by email as a PDF.
How do I have an official document translated under oath?
The process is simple: upload a scan of your document through our order form, receive a tailored quote within one working hour, and once you approve it an Rbtv-registered translator translates your document. You receive the sworn translation by email, as standard within 5–7 working days.
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