Official Document Translation & Legalisation Map

Interactive index of country-specific requirements for certified translations, sworn translations, apostilles, and consular legalization for official submissions worldwide.

Simple World Map Author: Al MacDonald Editor: Fritz Lekschas License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ID: ISO 3166-1 or "_[a-zA-Z]" if an ISO code is not available

Translation Standard

Sworn Translator
Certified Translation
Notarised Translation
Not mapped yet

France

Sworn translation standard

Requirements Summary

Apostille required
Sometimes, see table
Who can translate
Court-appointed (sworn) translator
Accepted languages
French
Legalization agency
Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs
Official registry
Cour de cassation website
Official guidelines
service-public.fr
Important: If an apostille is required, it must be obtained before the sworn translation.

Detailed Guidelines

Who can translate

Only officially appointed traducteurs assermentés (sworn translators) can produce translations suitable for administrative, judicial, and official use in France. They are appointed by a Cour d’appel and registered as legal experts. More information

What makes a translation official

An official sworn translation must include the translator’s stamp and signature, a certification of accuracy, and matching page numbering between the original and translation. These translations are accepted by French authorities.

Documents from abroad

Foreign documents must typically be apostilled or legalised in their country of origin before being translated by a sworn translator in France.

Legal basis

Sworn translators are governed by Loi n°71‑498 and Décret n°2020‑1734, and must take an oath before a Court of Appeal. Their appointment lasts five years and is renewable.