Official Document Translation & Legalisation Map
Interactive index of country-specific requirements for certified translations, sworn translations, apostilles, and consular legalization for official submissions worldwide.
Translation Standard
Sworn Translator
Certified Translation
Notarised Translation
Not mapped yet
Switzerland
Other translation standard
Requirements Summary
Apostille required
Often required for foreign documents, depending on country of origin
Who can translate
Translator recognised by the relevant Swiss canton or authority
Accepted languages
German, French, Italian, or Romansh (depending on canton)
Legalization agency
Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
Official guidelines
Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs – Legalisation and ApostilleImportant: Translation requirements in Switzerland vary by canton and institution.
Always confirm the specific requirements with the receiving authority before arranging a translation.
Detailed Guidelines
Who can translate
Switzerland does not operate a single nationwide sworn translator system.
Translation requirements are determined at cantonal level.
Some cantons maintain their own lists of court-recognised translators
(traducteur juré / vereidigter Übersetzer / traduttore giurato),
while others require notarisation or certification of the translator’s signature.
What makes a translation official
Requirements vary depending on the canton and the type of authority involved.
In many cases, an official translation must include:
A declaration confirming the translation is complete and accurate
The translator’s signature
In some cases, notarisation or court certification
Authorities may require the translation to be into one of Switzerland’s official languages:
German, French, Italian, or Romansh.
Documents from abroad
Foreign documents generally need to be apostilled or legalised
in the issuing country before submission to Swiss authorities.
Depending on the canton, additional notarisation or confirmation of the translator’s signature
may be required.
Legal basis
Translation requirements in Switzerland are governed at cantonal level rather than federally.
Each canton determines whether sworn translators are used or whether notarised certification is sufficient.
Legalisation and apostille matters are handled by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).