Thai documents for German authorities (beglaubigte Übersetzung)

What is a sworn translator, and is that the same as NAATI?

Several civil-law countries appoint sworn or court-appointed translators whose translations carry legal force domestically. Australia does not use a sworn translator system; the reference point for Australian bodies is NAATI certification. A sworn translation from another country is not automatically accepted in Australia and often has to be redone.

My document already has a translation from my home country. Can you just certify it?

A NAATI certified translator certifies their own work. An existing translation can be reviewed and, if it is accurate, reissued under certification — but the translator must take responsibility for the whole text, so the review is not a rubber stamp and is sometimes no faster than translating afresh.

Will the layout of the translation match the original?

A certified translation reproduces the structure of the source: headings, tables, seals, stamps and signatures are described in place so the reader can match every element to the original. Nothing is added, removed or summarised.

What if the receiving body queries the translation?

Send us the query in writing. Where the issue comes from our translation or certification format we correct and reissue at no charge. We cannot influence the decision on your application — we are a translation provider, not a registered migration agent.

Do you need my documents legalised before translating?

Not for the translation itself. But if the receiving body requires legalisation or an apostille on the original, that step should normally happen before the final translation so the certificate is captured in the translated set. Confirm the order of steps before starting.

Source: Department of Consular Affairs, MFA Thailand