With so many options to choose, getting your documents translated for Italian dual citizenship can be a confusing endeavor. However, with the right guidance you'll know exactly what you need. Each type of translation has a specific use under a determined circumstance. With this guide, you can be confident that you'll choose the right option for your needs.
Standard translations
This is often used at an Italian consulate. Since most people apply at a consulate, the vast majority of people will need this type of translation. It consists of a simple file (most likely a PDF) that your translator sends you via e-mail. Then, you can print it out at home and attach it to your original documents with a paper clip.
It's best to put the translation in front of your original document as the consular officer will be reading off of the translation and checking back and forth with the original. Do not staple these to your original documents as that will invalidate them.
A standard translation should look something like this:
Apostilled translations
Under certain circumstances your translator will be required to provide an apostilled translation. For example, some consulates (New York being one of them) require that divorce records include an apostilled translation. For a list of all Italian consulates in the US, click here.
To do this, your translator prints his or her translation at home. Then, s/he types up a separate sworn statement. This statement should include the following:
That s/he is fluent in Italian and English (or whatever other language the original document is in)
That s/he translated to the best of his or her ability
That s/he cannot certify the contents of the original, only the accuracy of the translation
Then, the sworn statement gets stapled to the front of the translation. The translator then notarizes this "mini packet" consisting of sworn statement + translation. Finally, the mini packet gets sent away for apostille. The result is a multi-page document consisting of the following:
Apostille
Sworn statement
Translation
There are separate costs associated with this level of certification which can include the cost of the apostille and your translators' time and travel fees for the notarization.
Court sworn translations
If you are applying in Italy, you'll most likely need court a court sworn translation (called traduzione asseverata in Italian). To do this, your translator must go to court to swear the accuracy of his or her translations.
First, your translator must have your originals. While technically a translator can swear translations of photocopies, I advise giving your originals to the translator as some comuni will only accept sworn translations of original documents and not photocopies. Your translator will make an appointment in court and bring originals + translations.
The court officer will affix a marca da bollo (tax stamp) to every 4th page of your translation and also stamp the edges of the page so that the whole packet cannot be unstapled. Finally, your translator will sign the verbale di traduzione (translator's oath) which will be affixed to the back of your document packet.
There are additional costs associated with court sworn translations. They are:
16 euro marca da bollo for each 4th page of translations
3.87 euro marca da bollo for the translator's oath
Your translator's time + travel expenses
Normally, each single document will result in a separate packet which includes:
Translation (with one marca da bollo every 4 pages)
Original document
Translator's oath
This is what a marca da bollo will look like on your translation prepared to be sworn in court (this is not my work):
And this is the verbale di traduzione (translator's oath). Also not my work:
Consulate approved translation
There is no one standard term for this but in Italian it's usually certificazione di conformità traduzioni.
These types of translations are mostly used in Italian court or comune when a court sworn translation is not possible (for example, if your translator does not live in Italy but does live near an Italian consulate).
To do this, your must make an appointment with the Italian consulate. At the appointment the translator presents the translations plus photocopies of the originals. The consular officer will look over the documents and then stamp them. Note that the consular officers are not certifying the accuracy of the translations here, just that the translator swears they are accurate. There are separate costs associated with this type of certification. They are:
The equivalent of 13 euros in local currency for one foglio (front and back of one page)
Your translator's time + travel expenses
Important: regardless of number of pages, your translator can only bring five documents at a time to the consulate. If you have more than five documents, your translator will need to make multiple appointments.
Conclusion
Now that you know what the different types of Italian citizenship translations are, you can be well prepared for your appointment! However, if you're still unsure you can always reach out to me for assistance.
I'd love to know: where are you seeking recognition of Italian dual citizenship? Sound off in the comments below!
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