Are you applying for a visa for the United Kingdom or Canada, applying for a British passport for a child born in the Netherlands to British parents, or administering an estate? You may need a sworn translation of official documents, such as a birth certificate, death certificate, will or residence permit. Check the requirements with the receiving authority. Not every translator is sworn. How do you know whom to contact?
A sworn translator must be registered
A sworn translator must be entered in the Dutch Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (Rbtv) and have taken an oath or made an affirmation before a court. Bureau Wbtv assesses the application and supporting documents against the applicable registration requirements. Registration is followed by the court ceremony. The certificate recording the oath or affirmation is then submitted to Bureau Wbtv. Registration is valid for five years.
What is the difference between a sworn translator and a legal translator?
A legal translator does not have to be listed in the Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators. A translator who also provides sworn translations must meet the registration and oath requirements. Renewal is subject to continuing professional development and work experience requirements. These include obtaining at least 80 continuing professional development credits during the five-year registration period. Renewal is not automatic: the translator must apply in time. The register shows which translators are registered for a particular translation direction.
How do I find a sworn translator?
You may be wondering how to find a translator for your language pair. You can of course search on Google, which may be how you found this website. I provide sworn translations from Dutch into English and from English into Dutch. For other language pairs, please visit the Bureau Wbtv website.
Good luck! Still have questions? Take a look at the frequently asked questions.
Further information: Bureau Wbtv and Rechtspraak.