In an increasingly mobile professional world, it's no longer unusual for your skills to be assessed across borders. However, a diploma only has value if it can be understood and recognized by the foreign authority examining it. The legal translation of this document therefore becomes an essential - and often underestimated - step in any international process.
An administrative document... with a strong legal impact
Your diploma is much more than a certificate of completion. It's a legal document that officially attests to your skills, your level of qualification, and sometimes even your right to practice a regulated profession. As soon as it is produced in an official foreign context (work visa, recognition of qualification, call for tenders, registration with a professional association or legal proceedings), it must be translated according to strict rules.
In the case of a professional immigration application, for example, an untranslated or poorly translated diploma can be enough to cause the application to be refused. The authorities require not only a translation, but also a sworn translationrecognized as having the same legal value as the original document.
Why diploma translation is a technical exercise
Translating a diploma is not a simple linguistic operation. It's a rigorous process that requires :
- Mastery of both countries' education systems: each country has its own degrees, diploma titles, specializations and credits. The translator needs to understand the equivalences to avoid any confusion.
- Pay particular attention to legal and administrative terms: the words "Licence" or "Master" are not always translated literally. The translator must take into account the standards of the destination country to ensure correct understanding.
- Respecting the layout and official seals: these must be reproduced or mentioned with rigor. This includes signatures, stamps, marginalia, etc.
- Ability to write explanatory notes when necessary, without altering the legal readability of the document.
For example: a lawyer's diploma issued in Spain must be accompanied by a translation that respects the terminology of the French or Belgian legal professions, depending on the country in which it is presented. This fine-tuning can only be carried out by a specialized legal translator.
When is a sworn translation required?
Sworn translations are generally required in the following cases:
- Naturalization files
- Public sector recruitment abroad
- Professional registration
- Presenting a diploma in court
- Tender procedures for international contracts
- Cross-border disputes relating to the recognition of qualifications
This type of translation must be carried out by a sworn (or "certified" depending on the country) translator, authorized to produce documents with probative value, accepted by foreign courts, ministries and institutions.
The central role of the legal translator
If you entrust the translation of your diploma to a generalist translator or to an automated tool, you run the risk of misinterpreting the law. Choosing the right word, understanding the professional issues at stake and respecting the context are essential.
Specialized legal translators, like those at Legal 230, are trained to anticipate these challenges. They are familiar with the requirements of bar associations, courts of justice and immigration departments in several jurisdictions. Their expertise helps avoid misinterpretations, administrative misunderstandings and rejected files.
Case study: diploma recognition in a tax context
French lawyers wishing to set up a tax practice in Luxembourg need to have their Master 2 degree in international taxation recognized. The Luxembourg authorities require a sworn translation of this diploma, accompanied by transcripts and certificates of training. A misinterpretation of the title of the diploma, or an omission in the translation of an official stamp, could jeopardize the whole procedure.
In this type of case, every word counts. And every omission can have far-reaching legal consequences.
Legal 230's commitment
At Legal 230, we understand the sensitivity of these documents. Our network of sworn legal translators covers over 230 languages and numerous educational systems. Each diploma is treated with rigor, confidentiality and according to the legal requirements of the destination country. We work for individuals, law firms, legal departments and institutions alike.
Have your diploma translated by experts
Do you need to have a diploma translated for professional recognition, international litigation or administrative proceedings? Leave nothing to chance.
🎓 Contact Legal 230 for a sworn, clear and legally compliant translation.
We guarantee deliverables tailored to the requirements of the authorities, wherever you present them.