Explore country-specific rules for recognising foreign documents for official use.
This map shows when certified or sworn translations, apostilles, or legalisation are required for official use.
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Requirement: Sworn
| Apostille required | Sometimes, see table |
|---|---|
| Translation type required | Sworn translation |
| Who can translate | Court-appointed (sworn) translator |
| Official translator registry | Cour de cassation website |
| Accepted languages | French |
| Legalisation authority | Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs |
| Official source | service-public.fr |
Important: If an apostille is required, it must be obtained before the sworn translation.
Find a sworn translator in FranceOnly officially appointed traducteurs assermentés (sworn translators) can produce translations suitable for administrative, judicial, and official use in France. They are appointed by a Cour d’appel and registered as legal experts.
An official sworn translation must include the translator’s stamp and signature, a certification of accuracy, and matching page numbering between the original and translation. These translations are accepted by French authorities.
Foreign documents must typically be apostilled or legalised in their country of origin before being translated by a sworn translator in France.
Sworn translators are governed by Loi n°71‑498 and Décret n°2020‑1734, and must take an oath before a Court of Appeal. Their appointment lasts five years and is renewable.
