Frequently asked questions

A sworn translator (traducteur assermenté, مترجم محلّف) is a professional translator who has taken an oath before the Lebanese Court of Appeal. Their stamped and signed translations are legally recognised as faithful and complete renderings of the original, and are accepted by courts, ministries, embassies, universities and notaries.

In Lebanon, a sworn translation is one produced and sealed by a court-sworn translator; this is what is usually meant by “certified” or “official”. Notarisation is a separate step where a notary public certifies a signature. Some countries use these terms differently, which is why Sara asks where the document is going.

Any document submitted to an authority in a language it does not operate in: civil status records, diplomas, judgments, contracts, powers of attorney, bank statements for visas, medical reports for treatment abroad. If in doubt, ask; Sara will tell you honestly if a simple translation would do.

Yes. Sworn translations from Lebanon are accepted by foreign embassies in Beirut and by authorities abroad. Certain countries additionally require authentication by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the destination embassy; Sara tells you when that applies.

By WhatsApp, email or the contact form. Clear photos or scans of every page (front and back) are sufficient to start. Originals are only needed if the receiving authority requires the translation to be physically attached to them.

Standard one-page documents are usually ready within 24 hours. Academic files take one to two days, contracts and judgments three to five days depending on length. Express and same-day service is available on request.

Yes. A high-resolution scan of the signed and sealed translation is delivered for online applications. Paper originals can be collected in Beirut or sent by courier.

Yes, by tracked courier anywhere in Lebanon, and internationally by DHL or Aramex on request.

Yes, as long as every part of the page is legible, including stamps and margins. Poor photos are the main cause of delay, so take them in good light, flat, and without shadows.

Standard one-page documents have a flat rate; longer texts are priced per page or per word with the count agreed before work begins. You always receive a fixed quote first. Certification, seal and signature are included in the price.

Yes. Complete files (immigration, academic, corporate) are quoted as bundles, and repeat clients benefit from framework rates.

Cash, bank transfer, OMT, Whish and other local options. Clients abroad can pay by international transfer or online payment.

Yes. The French, Canadian, US, Australian, German, Italian, Spanish and Gulf embassies, among others, routinely accept sworn translations bearing her seal. Each has specific formatting preferences which Sara knows and applies.

It depends on the destination and document type. Many embassies accept the sworn translation directly; some countries require the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamps. Sara indicates what applies to your case and how to obtain it.

No. Lebanon is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents are legalised through the consular chain instead: Ministry of Justice (for court documents and translations), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the destination embassy.

Yes. Foreign documents in French or English are translated into Arabic for Lebanese authorities. They generally need to be legalised in the issuing country and by the Lebanese embassy there first; Sara will confirm what your case requires.