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 Sweden

Sweden 🇸🇪

Requirement: Certified

Requirements summary

Apostille required	Required if the document or translation will be used abroad
Translation type required	Certified translation
Who can translate	Authorised translator appointed by Kammarkollegiet
Official translator registry	Kammarkollegiet – Register of Authorised Translators
Accepted languages	Swedish (or as required by receiving authority)
Legalisation authority	Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Apostille Authority)
Official source	Kammarkollegiet – Authorised Translators

Important: If the translated document is to be used abroad, the translator’s signature may need to be notarised before an apostille is issued by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Find an authorised translator in Sweden

Who can translate

Sweden does not operate a court-sworn translator regime. Instead, translators can be officially authorised by Kammarkollegiet (the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency).

Authorised translators (auktoriserad translator) must pass a national examination and are permitted to certify their translations with an official stamp.

What makes a translation official

A certified translation in Sweden must include:

A declaration confirming the translation is accurate and complete
The authorised translator’s stamp and signature
The translator’s authorisation number

Swedish authorities typically require that translations be carried out by an authorised translator when submitting documents for legal or administrative purposes.

Documents from abroad

Foreign documents submitted to Swedish authorities usually need to be translated into Swedish (or sometimes English, depending on the authority).

If the translated document is intended for use outside Sweden, an apostille may be required. Apostilles are issued by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Legal basis

Authorised translators in Sweden are regulated by Kammarkollegiet under national administrative law. Legalisation and apostille procedures are handled by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in accordance with the Hague Apostille Convention.

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

Legalisation and translation requirements in Sweden