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: Notarised
| Apostille required | Required for foreign documents before translation and asseveration |
|---|---|
| Translation type required | Sworn (asseverated) translation |
| Who can translate | Any competent adult, provided the translation is sworn before a judicial authority |
| Official translator registry | No national sworn translator registry (asseveration performed at court) |
| Accepted languages | Italian |
| Legalisation authority | Italian Public Prosecutor’s Office (Procura della Repubblica) / Prefecture (for apostilles) |
| Official source | Italian Ministry of Justice – Asseveration of Translations |
Important: If an apostille or legalisation is required, it must be obtained before the translation is sworn (asseverated) in Italy.
Official guidance on sworn translations in ItalyItaly does not maintain a national registry of sworn translators. A translation may be carried out by any competent adult who is not a party to the document.
The translation becomes legally valid only after it has been sworn under oath (giuramento) before a judicial authority, typically at a Tribunale (Civil Court) or before a Giudice di Pace (Justice of the Peace).
An official translation in Italy is known as a traduzione asseverata. It must include:
The oath confirms that the translation is accurate and complete.
Foreign documents intended for submission to Italian authorities must first be apostilled or legalised in the country of origin.
Only after this step should the document be translated and asseverated before a competent Italian court.
The asseveration process is governed by Italian procedural law and court regulations. Sworn statements are administered by judicial offices, and the oath is formally recorded in accordance with Italian civil procedure.
