Sworn translation
A sworn translation is an official translation that, in Estonia, only a sworn translator may make; the translator certifies it with a signature and seal, or with a digital signature.
| Direction | Sworn translation |
|---|---|
| Estonian → English | Yes |
| Estonian → Russian | Yes |
| Russian → English | Yes |
| English → Russian | Yes |
| English or Russian → Estonian | No. Not available as a sworn translation. |
What a sworn translation is
In Estonia, only sworn translators make official translations (Sworn Translators Act, § 7(1)). You need a sworn translation when an authority asks for an official translation of a document.
A sworn translator makes sworn translations only in the language directions on their certificate. Dmitri Šmorgun’s sworn translator certificate no. 21 covers the four directions in the table above. He personally translates and signs every document. You can check his details in the list of sworn translators kept by the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs.
On paper or digitally signed
Most clients pick up the sworn translation on paper at the office at Tornimäe 5, 2nd floor, 10145 Tallinn. A sworn translation on paper carries the sworn translator’s signature and seal.
If the authority accepts a digitally signed translation, we send the sworn translation as a file in a digital signature container (.asice). The digital signature replaces the seal and the handwritten signature. You can open the file and check the signature in the DigiDoc4 app.
Before you order, ask the authority whether it accepts a digitally signed translation.
Russian ↔ English
Few sworn translators in Estonia work between Russian and English. Dmitri makes sworn translations from Russian into English and from English into Russian.
A typical case is an application for a temporary residence permit (TRP). The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) requires documents in Estonian or English, and a translation made in Estonia must come from a sworn translator (PPA requirements). So a document in Russian, such as a birth certificate, can be translated into English for the PPA. Check the exact requirements on the PPA website before you apply.
What to send
- A readable scan of every page of the document.
- All stamps, seals and notes must be visible on the scan.
- The back side, if it has text or stamps.
- Where you will submit the translation, and whether you need it on paper or digitally signed.
Send your document with the get-a-price form or to info@lingote.ee. The prices are in the table below.
| Service | Estonian into English or Russian | Between Russian and English |
|---|---|---|
| Sworn translation, standard page (1,800 characters with spaces) | €37.20 incl. VAT / standard page€30.00 + VAT, for companies | €43.40 incl. VAT / standard page€35.00 + VAT, for companies |
| Standard one-page document (e.g. birth certificate) | €31.00 incl. VAT / document€25.00 + VAT, for companies | €37.20 incl. VAT / document€30.00 + VAT, for companies |
Final price confirmed in writing before work starts.
Send your document and get a price
We confirm the price in writing before work starts.