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Sworn translation standardVerified June 2026

Document Translation Requirements in Finland

Official bodies in Finland generally require a sworn translation of foreign-language documents, and many documents also need an apostille or legalization before they are translated. Below: who can translate, when an apostille is needed, and where the official rules are published.

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Finland requirements at a glance

Translation standardSworn translation
Who can translateAuthorised translator registered with the Finnish National Agency for Education
ApostilleRequired if the document or translation will be used abroad
Accepted languagesFinnish or Swedish (official languages)
Responsible authorityMinistry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Important: If a translated document is to be used abroad, the authorised translator’s signature may need to be notarised before an apostille is issued by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Who can translate documents for use in Finland?

Official translations in Finland must be carried out by an authorised translator (auktorisoitu kääntäjä) who is registered with the Finnish National Agency for Education. Authorised translators must pass a state examination and meet statutory qualification requirements.

What makes a translation official in Finland?

An authorised translation must include:
  • The authorised translator’s stamp and signature
  • A declaration confirming the translation is accurate and complete
  • The translator’s authorisation number
    • Finnish authorities typically require translations of official documents to be completed by an authorised translator.

    How does Finland treat documents from abroad?

    Foreign documents submitted to Finnish authorities must generally be translated into Finnish or Swedish. If the translated document is intended for use abroad, an apostille may be required. Apostilles are issued by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

    Legal basis

    Authorised translators in Finland are regulated under national legislation and supervised by the Finnish National Agency for Education. Legalisation and apostille procedures are handled by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in accordance with the Hague Apostille Convention.

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    Translating Finnish documents for the U.S.?

    Finnish birth certificates, diplomas, and transcripts submitted to USCIS, universities, or credential evaluators need a certified English translation — that is exactly what we do, with a 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee.

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    Sending U.S. documents to Finland?

    U.S.-issued documents usually need an apostille before they can be used in Finland — and the apostille should be obtained before the translation, so the certificate itself gets translated too. We offer e-apostille processing as an add-on to any order.

    How apostilles work Order translation with e-apostille

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    Finland translation requirements — FAQ

    What type of translation does Finland require?

    Finland follows the sworn translation standard for official documents. Translations should be completed by: authorised translator registered with the finnish national agency for education.

    Is an apostille required for foreign documents in Finland?

    Required if the document or translation will be used abroad

    What languages do Finnish authorities accept?

    Official authorities in Finland accept documents in: Finnish or Swedish (official languages). Documents in any other language need a sworn translation before submission.

    Can CertTranslate help with documents for Finland?

    If you are submitting Finnish documents to U.S. authorities (USCIS, universities, credential evaluators), yes — our certified translations are accepted nationwide. For official use inside Finland, authorities usually require a translator sworn or registered locally — use the official registry linked on this page. We can also advise on apostille requirements for U.S.-issued documents.

    Requirements in related countries

    Neighbors and countries with a similar translation standard.

    AustriaBelgiumSwitzerlandGermanyDenmarkSpainView all countries on the map

    Sources

    Information verified against official sources. Last verified June 2026.

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