Standard translation
A standard translation helps you understand a document: correspondence, a contract to review, an internal document. It is accurate but carries no statement of conformity.
Certified translation
A certified translation comes with a statement confirming that it is complete and faithful to the original. It is often required for official documents submitted to an authority: civil status certificates, diplomas, court rulings.
What varies between authorities
Requirements are not the same everywhere in Switzerland. Some authorities accept a translation certified by the translator; others also ask for the translator's signature to be legalised, for example by a notary, or for a specific form.
The safest approach is to ask the receiving authority directly which form it accepts, then pass its answer on to us.
Our advice
If in doubt, tell us who the document is for. We will tell you the right form before we start, so the translation does not need to be redone.
These guides give general guidance. The precise requirements are always set by the authority handling your request.