Legal translations at Språkbolaget

In this article we write about translations of legal documents. What do you need to consider as a client? What can a legal translator do and not do? What is required for the translation to be legally binding?

Legal texts

The legal field is vast and legal texts can range from statutory texts to purchase agreements. As a customer with us, you get help with the translation of various types of agreement , business contract, product warranties and licence agreements, collective agreements, employment contracts, and procurement documents.

What does a legal translator do?

A legal translator is a translator with experience in translate legal texts. This entails knowledge of legal terms and register within the field. The translator's task is to create a functional text in the target language, which is their mother tongue. They ensure that the tone and mode of expression are appropriate for the intended target audience. You will therefore receive a document back with the same content as the one you sent for translation, but in another language.

However, the translator is rarely a lawyer themselves, even though many have some form of training in the subject. Neither the translator nor we as an agency verify that the content of the document complies with laws, regulations or other conditions in the countries where it is to be used.

A translation is a translation – the original is legally binding

When it comes to agreements and the like, for example, it is important to point out that the original language is the legally binding version should a dispute arise. It is common practice to add a sentence at the end of the document to cover oneself, for example: “This is a translation of the Swedish original. In the event of any inconsistency between the Swedish and English versions, the Swedish version shall prevail.”

For the translation to be considered an original, a legal professional must review it to identify any potential issues with the translation – just as one would do if a Swedish employee who is not a lawyer had written a contract in Swedish.

Is authorisation needed?

When it comes to documents such as certificates of various kinds; birth certificates, marriage certificates, letters patent, articles of association and the like, they must be notarised by a notary public or translated and stamped by an authorised translator in order to be valid before authorities.

En certified translator authorised by Kammarkollegiet in Sweden and translates to or from Swedish.

Språkbolaget has many authorised translators in its network, and we can help you figure out whether or not your translation needs a stamp. We only translate for businesses. Private individuals are referred to the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency's (Kammarkollegiet) website.