What is the Official Document Recognition Map?

An interactive map showing each country's official requirements for recognising foreign documents, including when certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation are needed.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

When do I need a certified translation?

A certified translation is typically required when submitting foreign language documents to government agencies, courts, or official institutions. Requirements vary by country - use the map to check specific country requirements.

What's the difference between legalisation and an apostille?

Apostille is used between countries that are part of the Hague Convention (simplified process), while legalisation is the traditional process used between countries not part of the convention, often requiring multiple steps through foreign ministries and embassies.

Translation Requirements for Denmark

Denmark 🇩🇰

Requirement: Notarised

Requirements summary

Apostille required	Required if the document or translation will be used abroad
Translation type required	Certified translation with statutory declaration
Who can translate	Any competent translator providing a signed declaration of accuracy
Official translator registry	No national sworn translator registry
Accepted languages	Danish (or as required by receiving authority)
Legalisation authority	Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official source	Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Translations and Legalisation

Important: If a translation is to be legalised or apostilled for use abroad, the translator’s statutory declaration must first be confirmed by a Danish Notary Public or authorised Chamber of Commerce before submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Official guidance on translations in Denmark

Who can translate

Denmark does not operate a sworn translator system. Any competent translator may produce a translation, provided they sign a statutory declaration confirming that it is accurate.

For professional translation services, you can search for certified translators and interpreters via the Danish Translators Association: Translatorforeningen – Find a professional .

What makes a translation official

For official recognition—particularly if the translated document is to be used abroad—the translation must include:

A signed declaration of accuracy by the translator
Verification of the declaration by a Notary Public at a Danish city court or confirmation by a Chamber of Commerce

Only after this verification can the translation be apostilled or legalised by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Documents from abroad

If a foreign document is submitted to Danish authorities, the receiving authority determines whether translation is required.

If a Danish document (with attached translation) is to be used outside Denmark, it must generally be apostilled or legalised after the statutory declaration has been verified.

Legal basis

Denmark no longer maintains a certified translator appointment scheme. Translation and legalisation procedures are administered by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Verification of translator declarations is carried out by Danish notaries public or relevant Chambers of Commerce before apostille issuance.

Official Document Recognition Map - Translation, Apostille & Legalisation Rules by Country

Legalisation and translation requirements in Denmark