Quick Answer: Sworn Translation of Birth Certificate
Birth certificates are among the documents most often requiring sworn translation, because they are needed on family, residence and study routes and are frequently issued in a language the receiving authority does not accept.
Two things commonly go wrong: the wrong version of the certificate is translated, and the translation is done at the wrong point in the legalisation chain. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It is not a translator, insurer, embassy or government department, and nothing here is immigration advice.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for anyone submitting a birth certificate to an authority that requires it in another language.
For the general requirement, see Sworn Translation Requirements South Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
Get the underlying certificate right before translating anything.
Applicant type
- Which version. Family and immigration routes commonly require an unabridged or full certificate showing parent details, not an abridged one. Translating the wrong version wastes the work.
- Whose certificate. Applications involving children normally require the child certificate, and sometimes the parents as well.
- Foreign certificates. A certificate issued outside South Africa may need legalisation in its country of issue before translation here.
- Order of steps. Confirm whether the receiving authority wants the certificate legalised then translated, or translated then legalised.
- Accepted translators. Normally a sworn translator, with the receiving authority sometimes specifying who it accepts.
Documents You May Need
Obtain the correct certificate first, since replacing it later restarts the chain.
Required proof
- The unabridged or full birth certificate, where required.
- The sworn translation with the translator declaration.
- Apostille or authentication, where the receiving authority requires legalisation.
- Both original and translation, submitted together.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Confirm which version of the certificate the authority requires, and obtain it from Home Affairs if you do not hold it.
Confirm the required order of legalisation and translation before commissioning either.
Commission the sworn translation of the complete certificate, then submit original and translation together.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Obtaining an unabridged certificate from Home Affairs carries its own fee and processing time, which precedes translation. Translation and legalisation are further costs. Budget for the whole chain.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Translating an abridged certificate where an unabridged one is required.
- Not allowing time to obtain the unabridged certificate before translation.
- Translating before legalising, or the reverse, without confirming the order.
- Omitting the parents certificates where the route requires them.
- Submitting the translation without the underlying certificate.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm what the receiving authority accepts before commissioning anything, since requirements differ by country and route. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to the responsible bodies. For the certificate itself, confirm with the Department of Home Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an unabridged birth certificate?
Family and immigration routes commonly require the unabridged or full version showing parent details. Confirm before ordering or translating.
Who can translate a birth certificate?
Normally a sworn translator. Confirm whether the receiving authority accepts South African sworn translators or requires one accredited in its own country.
Translate first or legalise first?
It differs by authority. Confirm the required order before starting.
What about a foreign birth certificate?
It may need legalisation in its country of issue before it can be used or translated here. Confirm the chain.
Where can I confirm the requirement?
Confirm with the authority deciding your application, and with Home Affairs for the certificate.