FAQ / So a sworn translation makes the original document valid in Brazil?

No. It doesn‘t give it any additional value to what it already had in its original language. The sworn translation only allows it to have whatever effect it may have, if any, before Brazilian authorities. A counterfeit document will remain equally false after the translation. The Certified Public Translator‘s job is just to make it officially understandable, it is not up to him/her to ascertain the authenticity of the document being translated, and s/he is not empowered to certify it.

Likewise, the sworn translation of any document does not make it automatically effective in Brazil. If, for instance, a document entitles someone to do something (e.g. to operate a vehicle, to practice a profession requiring a specific license) within the issuing country, its sworn translation will not grant the bearer the same rights in Brazil. Such rights will be governed by the proper Brazilian laws.

To summarize, the sworn translation of any document does not alter its effect, just renders it acceptable before the Brazilian authorities.


Keywords: document,