Glossary of translations and legalizations
The terms below come up often when you need an official translation. Each one links to the page for the matching service or document, so you know exactly what you are asking for and why.
Types of translations
Certified translation
A translation produced and signed by a translator authorized by the Ministry of Justice, with a stamp and certification of authorization.
Notarized translation
A certified translation whose translator signature is legalized by a notary public. The notary confirms the signature belongs to an authorized translator, not the accuracy of the translation itself.
Specialized translation
A translation of a text from a technical, legal, medical or financial field, which calls for specialist terminology and a translator experienced in that field.
Legalization, apostille and over-legalization
Notarized legalization
The step in which a notary public legalizes the signature of the authorized translator on a translation, so the document is accepted by authorities and institutions.
Apostille (Hague Convention)
A certificate confirming the authenticity of an official document for use in member states of the 1961 Hague Convention. It replaces over-legalization in these states.
Over-legalization
The procedure by which a document is recognized in a state that is not party to the Hague Convention. It requires approval from several authorities and from the embassy of the destination state.
Interpreting
Consecutive interpreting
The interpreter translates after the speaker finishes a sentence or an idea. Suited to meetings, negotiations, notarial sessions and interviews.
Simultaneous interpreting
The interpreter translates in real time, in parallel with the speaker, usually from a booth with headsets. Used at conferences and large events.
Authorized interpreter
An interpreter accredited by the Ministry of Justice, who can assist with official procedures: notary, court, civil registry or police.
Common documents
Criminal record certificate
The document attesting whether a person has a criminal record. Translated by a certified translator, it is often required for employment, residency or studies abroad.
Birth certificate
A civil status document, translated by a certified translator for marriage, citizenship, residency or study enrolment files in another country.
Marriage certificate
A civil status document, translated by a certified translator for the recognition of a marriage, a change of name or residency files abroad.
Diploma and transcript
A study diploma and transcript translated by a certified translator, required for the recognition of qualifications, employment or continued studies abroad.
Driving licence
A licence translated by a certified translator, needed to exchange it or to drive legally in countries that do not directly recognize the Romanian licence.
Vehicle documents
The vehicle identity card, the registration certificate and related papers, translated by a certified translator for registration, sale or use abroad.
Power of attorney
A document by which one person authorizes another to act on their behalf. For use abroad it needs a certified translation and, often, legalization or an apostille.
Death certificate
A civil-status document translated by a certified translator for inheritance, insurance, deregistration, or official files abroad.
Identity documents
ID cards, passports and similar papers, translated by a certified translator for banking files, residence, employment or consular procedures.
Court judgment
A court decision translated by a certified translator for recognition, enforcement, divorce or other files with a foreign element.
Contracts
Civil or commercial contracts translated by a certified translator for partners, notaries, banks or courts abroad.
Company articles
Articles of association, bylaws and related company documents, translated by a certified translator for registration, banks or partners abroad.
Notarial acts
Declarations, authentications and other notarial acts translated by a certified translator for use with institutions abroad.
Invitation letters
Invitation letters translated by a certified translator for visas, family visits or other consular procedures.
Emigration files
The document pack in an emigration file, translated by a certified translator according to the destination country’s list.
Bank statement
A bank statement translated by a certified translator for visas, credit, proof of funds or administrative files abroad.
Account opening
Documents needed to open a bank account, translated by a certified translator for KYC procedures at banks abroad.
Credit documents
Credit, mortgage or loan agreements translated by a certified translator for banks, notaries or partners abroad.
Economic reports
Economic or financial reports translated by a certified translator for partners, investors or authorities abroad.
Business analyses
Business analyses and market studies translated by a certified translator for partnerships, investment or official files.
Tender dossiers
Documents in a tender or bid file, translated by a certified translator for procurement procedures abroad.
EU funding
Documents in an EU funding application pack, translated by a certified translator to match programme requirements.
Insurance
Policies, claims and other insurance documents translated by a certified translator for companies or authorities abroad.
Leasing documents
Leasing contracts and related papers for vehicles or equipment, translated by a certified translator for use abroad.
Balance sheets
Annual accounts translated by a certified translator for partners, banks or authorities abroad.
Trial balances
A trial balance translated by a certified translator for reporting, audits or financial files abroad.
Supporting documents
Invoices, receipts and other supporting documents translated by a certified translator for audits or expense claims.
Quotes and invoices
Commercial quotes and invoices translated by a certified translator for clients, partners or authorities abroad.
Transport documents
CMR notes, bills of lading and other transport documents translated by a certified translator for customs or logistics partners.
Medical certificates
A medical certificate translated by a certified translator for employment, studies, insurance or procedures abroad.
Medical letters
Medical letters, discharge summaries or specialist reports translated by a certified translator for treatment or insurance abroad.
Lab results
Laboratory or investigation results translated by a certified translator for doctors, insurers or medical files abroad.
Technical manuals
Technical or user manuals translated by a certified translator for equipment, certification or markets abroad.
Product datasheets
Product datasheets translated by a certified translator for export, certification or commercial partners.
Specialized documentation
Specialized technical documentation translated by a certified translator for projects, certification or international collaboration.
Legal and administrative terms
Authorized translator
What an authorized translator from the Ministry of Justice is, what they can do, and how to check their authorization before ordering a translation.
Certified true to the original
What the note certified true to the original means on a translation or a copy, and why institutions require it for official documents.
Notarized copy
What a notarized copy at the notary is, when you ask for one, and how it differs from a plain copy or from the original document.
Legalization endorsement
What the legalization endorsement applied by the notary on a translation or a copy is, and what exactly it confirms.
Process and quality
Standard page rate
How a translation rate is calculated per standard page of 2000 characters, and what influences the final price.
Translator stamp
What the stamp of an authorized translator contains, and why institutions require it on official translations.
Translation memory (CAT)
What a translation memory is, how it helps with consistency and speed, and why it matters for recurring documents.
Linguistic revision
What revision of a translation is, how it differs from proofreading, and why the four-eyes principle raises quality.