Legalisation of translated documents
Certification proves who translated a document. Legalisation proves that the signature on that certificate is genuine, and it is what a foreign authority relies on because it cannot verify a Swiss signature itself. Which route your file takes depends only on the destination country, so the first thing we establish is where the document is going.
Apostille
The apostille is a certificate attached by a state chancellery confirming that the notary's signature is genuine. It is issued by the canton where the notary practises, it is recognised in e…
Notarisation
A notary does not check the translation itself; the notary confirms the identity and the signature of the person who signed the certificate of accuracy. That authentication is the step that …
Embassy legalisation
If the destination country is not a party to the Hague Convention, the apostille route is closed and the document goes through a chain instead: notary, cantonal chancellery, Federal Chancell…
Consulate legalisation
Some consulates legalise directly, on their own forms, and several require the applicant to appear in person or to submit through an accredited intermediary. Requirements change without noti…
Sworn translator
Switzerland has no single federal register of sworn translators; the arrangements are cantonal, and abroad the title is often protected and tied to a court. When a foreign authority insists …