A standard translation can be done by any person or company and has no legal value. A sworn translation, on the other hand, is performed by a certified public translator, follows specific technical standards (such as using letterhead paper, stamp, and signature), and has legal validity. While standard translations are used for informal purposes, sworn translations are required in official procedures, such as citizenship applications, diploma recognition, or presenting documents in court.

The timeframe depends on the complexity of the document and the sworn translator's availability. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks. For urgent cases, many translators offer priority service, which may come at a higher cost. Planning ahead is recommended, especially for time-sensitive processes like citizenship applications or university enrollment.

Yes, sworn translations are internationally recognized, but you may need to go through an apostille process (under the Hague Convention) to ensure their validity abroad. The apostille is a certificate that authenticates the sworn translator’s signature, facilitating the recognition of the document in countries that are signatories to the convention.

Yes, the sworn translation must be in the official language of the country where you are applying for citizenship. For example, for Italian citizenship, documents must be translated into Italian; for Portuguese citizenship, into European Portuguese. The sworn translator must be qualified in the target language.