Sworn translation of the birth certificate

A translated and certified birth certificate is required for citizenship, family reunification, civil registration, marriage, children's school enrolment, recognition of welfare rights and many consular procedures.

When you need a sworn translation of the birth certificate

The birth certificate is a fundamental civil-status record: whenever your personal history must be recognised in a country other than the one that issued it, a sworn translation attesting its fidelity is required. These are the cases we are asked for most often:

• Italian citizenship: for recognition iure sanguinis, by naturalisation or through marriage, when the birth record was issued abroad.
• Family reunification and residence permit: as part of the application filed with the Questura or Prefettura.
• Registering the birth: to record a child born abroad, or a record formed outside Italy, with the Comune.
• Marriage or civil union in Italy with a foreign national, together with the certificate of no impediment and other documents.
• School or university enrolment of children, scholarships and exams.
• Adoption, fostering and guardianship, where the birth record proves the parent-child relationship.
• Inheritance and succession with heirs or assets in another country.
• Pensions and benefits recognised by a foreign or Italian body.

Why a birth certificate translation needs care

The birth certificate is one of the most requested documents and, at the same time, one where a small error can stall an entire procedure. Names, places, dates and the exact spelling (as it appears on the passport) must be reproduced precisely: a mismatch between the translated record and your other documents is among the most common reasons for rejection at registry or consular desks.

That's why we don't just translate: we check stamps, seals and any apostille, verify the consistency of the data, and tell you in advance whether your specific use qualifies for exemption from stamp duty. If the certificate comes from abroad, we also point out the correct sequence — apostille in the country of origin first, then the sworn translation in Italy — so the work isn't done twice.

Available for the most requested languages: Romanian, Russian, Moldovan and English.

What to prepare and attach

• A clear photo or scan of the certificate, with stamps and signatures.
• If the document is foreign and must be valid in Italy, any apostille or legalization already affixed in the country of origin.
• The office or authority it is intended for (this helps us check requirements and exemptions).
• The exact spelling of names and surnames as they must appear (e.g. as on the passport).

Delivery time

For a standard certificate we usually deliver within 5 working days of confirmation. If an apostille or legalization is also required, allow a few more days, as the file goes through the Public Prosecutor's office.

Stamp duty

Stamp duty normally applies to the translation (usually a 16 € stamp every 4 pages), except in cases of exemption provided by law. For the birth certificate, exemption may apply to certain registry or school uses: it depends on the use and the individual Court, so we check your case together first.

Validity abroad

If the translated certificate must be valid abroad, after the swearing-in we add the apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or legalization (for other countries). We tell you in advance which route is needed.

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