Certified translations: Your path to legally compliant documents in Switzerland

17.09.2025 | Blog

1. What are certified translations?

Certified translations – sometimes also called officially certified translations – confirm that the content of the translation corresponds to the original. Each page also contains a stamp, signature, date, and indication of the working language. This ensures that your translated documents are recognized by authorities, universities, courts, or employers.
2. Notarized Translations

Sometimes a notarized translation is required – this means that the translator’s signature is additionally certified by a notary.
3. Certified Translation with Apostille

If you want to send documents abroad, especially to countries outside of Switzerland, a certified translation with an apostille may be necessary. The apostille is usually affixed to the notarized translation. It corresponds to international legalization under the Hague Convention.
4. Purposes and Recognition in Switzerland

In Switzerland, you often need certified translations for: • Residence and immigration documents • Recognition of foreign diplomas (e.g., at the SEM or universities) • Civil status documents (birth, marriage, divorce certificates) • Court judgments, contracts, wills • Applications to authorities or public institutions
5. Differences from “normal” translations

Unlike a simple translation—such as those used for marketing texts, tourism content, or communication—certified translations require strict formal requirements to be legally recognized.
6. Costs and Processing Time

• The price is usually based on the number of words or lines, language combination, and urgency. • Sample rates (minimum prices): o Notarized translation: from CHF 180.00 o With apostille: from CHF 275 per page. Processing time: approximately 3–5 business days. For simple certification, 4–5 business days with apostille. Important: AI cannot (yet) replace this! Artificial intelligence (e.g., automatic translation tools) may be impressively fast – but it cannot guarantee the legal certainty, formal requirements, and personal authentication required for certified translations. Only translations created by qualified, certified, or sworn translators – possibly notarized – are legally recognized.
7. Your trusted partner: Leikin Translation Center

As a certified translation provider in Switzerland, Leikin offers you: • Documents recognized by authorities and translated with legal reliability • Certification by qualified translators, optionally with a notary or apostille • Secure, confidential processing – digital & by mail
8. How your order works with us

1. Send us your document (e.g., photo or scan) – you choose your desired language. 2. You will receive a non-binding quote. 3. You will receive your certified translation digitally (PDF) and/or by mail. 9. Why you can trust us • Swiss services: certified translations in Switzerland, recognized throughout the canton. • Transparent prices, fast delivery, personal customer service. • Legal certainty with quality – from diplomas to legal documents and certificates.
Conclusion

In short: For official matters, authorities, universities, or courts in and outside Switzerland, you need certified translations, possibly notarized and with an apostille, depending on the intended purpose. These services are only provided by qualified translators with the appropriate certification – not AI. Rely on expertise, trust, and legal certainty – with certified translations in Switzerland from Leikin Translation Center.