A sworn translator is appointed by a South African High Court for specific language pairs. Their translation carries a signed and stamped oath certificate and is used for official purposes.
This page covers translating foreign documents for use in South Africa and choosing a sworn translator. For documents going abroad, see certified translation services.
Not every visa applicant needs this document. Whether you need it depends on the destination, visa type and your circumstances - check the official checklist first.
Tell us the document, the language pair and where it will be submitted.
Get Sworn Translation QuotesWhere Sworn Translations Are Required in South Africa
| Submitted to | Common documents |
|---|---|
| Home Affairs | Foreign birth, marriage and divorce certificates |
| SAQA | Foreign degrees and transcripts |
| HPCSA and other councils | Foreign medical and health qualifications |
| Courts | Evidence and legal documents |
| Banks and deeds offices | Foreign powers of attorney and estate documents |
Common Language Pairs
French, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and Chinese to or from English are the most requested. Availability of sworn translators for less common languages is limited, so allow extra time.
Sworn Translation Prices
| Service | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Standard certificate (birth, marriage) | R450 - R1,200 per document | Third-party |
| Degrees and transcripts | R600 - R1,800 | Third-party |
| Legal documents | Quoted per word, often R1.20 - R3.00 per word | Third-party |
| Rare language pairs | Quoted on request | Third-party |
| Urgent turnaround | 25% - 50% extra | Optional |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Checking a Sworn Translator
- Ask which High Court appointed them and for which language direction.
- Check the oath certificate is attached to both the source copy and the translation.
- Confirm the receiving office accepts the format before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can do a sworn translation in South Africa?
A translator sworn in by a High Court for that language pair.
Does Home Affairs require sworn translations?
Foreign-language documents submitted to Home Affairs generally need a sworn translation into English.
Is a sworn translation the same as a certified translation?
In South Africa, official "certified" translations are usually sworn translations. Some foreign authorities have their own rules.
Can I translate my own documents?
Not for official use. Offices usually require an independent sworn translator.
Requests sent through Visa Application go to independent providers who handle sworn translation applications regularly.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
Tell us where you are travelling and when, and compare visa assistance quotes from independent providers.
Get 5 QuotesGet Sworn Translation Services South Africa Quotes
Tell us your destination, travel purpose, travel date and number of applicants, and providers will quote you directly.
Free to use, no obligation. Your request goes to LEADERR APPROVED visa assistance providers, who quote you directly.
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
