What is a Sworn Translation and Who is a Sworn Translator?

In cases involving foreign nationals, experts consulted through judicial authorities for individuals whose official language is not Turkish are referred to as sworn translators or expert translators.
Legal experts earn the title of sworn legal translator by taking an oath before the Judicial Judgment Commission of the Courts.

How to become a Sworn Translator?

• The first requirement is to be a citizen of the Republic of Turkey.
• Be over 18 years of age and of sound mind, i.e., be fully competent.
• Be within the scope of the commission to which the application is made,
• Graduating from the foreign language department corresponding to the language in which you will work as a court interpreter at the university.
• Achieving a high score on an internationally recognized foreign language exam, for example: scoring at least 70 points on the ÖSYME language exam held in Turkey.
• If you have a document proving that you have been working as a translator for at least 5 years,
• If you have a document certifying that you are qualified to perform written and oral translations for legal matters,

If the above conditions are met, you will be eligible to be designated as a court-appointed interpreter or sworn interpreter.

What documents do you need to become a sworn translator?

Don’t forget to ask the institution to which you will submit your document for translation; sometimes administrative authorities only accept translations made by a sworn notary, while some institutions require notarization in addition to a sworn translator. Notarization cannot be performed before a sworn translation is made on a document.

• Forensic expert interpreter application form,
• Population registry card or identity card,
• Sample population register,
• A document or diploma proving knowledge of the languages required to become a court interpreter,
• Criminal record,
• Two passport photos

Where do sworn translators work?

• • During court proceedings, i.e. during the examination phase or during the investigation and prosecution phases of the trial,
  • During the purchase and sale of real estate, at the land registry offices,
  • During citizenship applications at immigration offices and citizenship agencies,

And there is a great need for certified translation and certified translator services and activities in official institutions such as marriage offices, notaries, and chambers of commerce where certified translators work.

Important Information You Should Know:

Legal translators can perform translation services in courts, land registries, and notary offices, but sworn translators can only perform translation services in notary offices and private institutions. However, some translators hold both judicial and sworn translator status, and such translators can provide translation services in all fields.

What are the fees for court interpreters and how are they determined?

The fee charged by court interpreters per case ranges from a minimum of 500 TL to a maximum of 1000 TL in 2020.

The reasons for the change in fees depend on three separate factors: which land registry office or court will handle the transaction, i.e., the distance between the translator and the institution; how long the transaction will take; and, most importantly, what type of transaction will take place.