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.
⚠️ Research-based resource
We continuously update country data.
If you work in
immigration, legalisation, or international admissions and would like to contribute,
contact: [email protected]
Requirement: Certified
| Apostille required | Required if the document or translation will be used abroad |
|---|---|
| Translation type required | Certified translation |
| Who can translate | State-authorised translators or qualified professional translators |
| Official translator registry | No national sworn translator registry |
| Accepted languages | Norwegian (Bokmål or Nynorsk) or English |
| Legalisation authority | Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / County Governor for apostille |
| Official source | Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Legalisation & Apostille guidance |
Important: If a translated document is intended for use abroad, the translator’s signature may need to be notarised before the document can receive an apostille from the County Governor or be legalised by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Find professional translators in NorwayNorway does not have a sworn translator system like many civil law countries. Instead, it maintains a category of state-authorised translators (statsautoriserte translatører) who have passed a national qualification examination.
These translators, as well as other qualified professionals, may provide translations for official purposes, provided they include a declaration confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.
A certified translation in Norway must include:
If the document is to be used outside Norway, the translator’s signature may need to be notarised before an apostille is applied.
Foreign documents submitted to Norwegian authorities generally must be translated into Norwegian (Bokmål or Nynorsk) or English, depending on the receiving authority.
Where applicable, an apostille may be required on the original and translated document if they are intended for use in a Hague Convention country.
Norway’s translation framework is based on administrative practice rather than a formally regulated sworn translator system. Qualified translators, including state-authorised translators, are recognised by public bodies. Legalisation and apostille procedures are handled by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the County Governor.
