Where to find a translator for official documents

205630/05/2025

In short

Official document translation in Slovakia is done by a sworn translator with a license from the Ministry of Justice and has legal force. You can find such a translator through the official register on the website of the Ministry of Justice SR - Prekladatelia, where you can filter specialists by language, city, and status. The translation is accompanied by a certificate, signature, and stamp, which guarantees its conformity with the original.

1. What is an official translation?
2. How is an official translation different from a regular one?
3. How to find a sworn translator?

Official document translation is necessary for those submitting papers to Slovak government institutions. In this article, we will explain what an official translation is, when it is needed, and how to quickly find a sworn translator in the official register. On the official website of the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic - Translators, you will find a sworn translator who is perfect for you. This is a convenient register where you can filter specialists by language, city, or status, and also find out who knows which language, from which languages they translate, their contacts, and many other useful details!

What is an official translation?

An official translation (also known as a court translation) is a translation of a document done by a sworn translator who is licensed by the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic. Such a translation has legal force and is recognized by government bodies. Features of an official translation:

It is done in paper form and attached to the original document (or a notarized copy) with a three-color ribbon.
It is accompanied by a translator's note (doložka), where the translator confirms the accuracy of the translation.
It is certified by the signature and round seal of the sworn translator.

These elements ensure that the translation matches the original and can be used in official institutions.

How is an official translation different from a regular one?

A regular translation can be done by anyone who knows the language, but it does not have legal force. It is suitable for personal needs, for example, for translating letters, instructions, or unofficial documents. An official translation, on the other hand, is done only by a sworn translator with a license and has legal force and is recognized by government bodies, courts, migration offices, or other institutions. An official translation is mandatory for documents submitted to official authorities. The most common cases are:

Legal documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, contracts, court decisions.

Educational documents: diplomas, certificates, supplements to them, grade reports.
Migration documents: passports, criminal record certificates, residence or work permits.

Without an official translation, such documents may not be accepted by authorities such as the Cudzinecká polícia (foreign police), universities, or courts.

How to find a sworn translator?

Finding a licensed translator is easy thanks to the official register, which collects information about all licensed specialists in Slovakia. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Go to the website Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic - Translators

Step 2. Set up filters

The website has a user-friendly search system. You can filter translators by:

Language: For example, Ukrainian, English, or others.
City: Bratislava, Košice, Žilina, etc.
Status: Choose Zapísaný (aktívny) (Registered (active)).
Other parameters: For example, sorting by name or license date.

Enter the required criteria in the appropriate fields (e.g., "ukrajinský jazyk" for the Ukrainian language) and click the search button.

Step 3. Review the results

The website will provide a list of translators with details. You can view each translator's profile to learn more:

Translator's full name.
Contact information (phone, email, address).
Languages the translator knows and translation directions.
The city or region where the specialist works.

Here, for example, is what searching for a translator from Ukrainian in the Bratislava region looks like: In the filters, select the language – "ukrajinský jazyk", the region – "Bratislavský kraj", and the status – "zápis" (active translator). Click the search button to view the list of translators.

Step 4. Contact the translator

Use the contacts from the register to arrange the translation. Clarify the deadlines, cost, and whether a notarized copy of the document is needed. Usually, translators work quickly, but it is better to arrange in advance, especially if the document is needed urgently. The cost depends on the translator, language, document volume, and urgency. Usually, the price is indicated per page (1800 characters with spaces). For example, translating a birth certificate might cost €20–40, and a more complex document like a diploma with an appendix might cost €50 or more. Clarify the price directly with the translator. Tip: The register is updated regularly, so you will always find current information. If you need a translation from a rare language, check several cities at once. Don't waste a lot of time searching – use the official register and find a sworn translator in a couple of clicks!

Sources

1.justice.gov.sk

Frequently asked questions

What is an official translation of documents?+

An official translation is a translation of a document done by a sworn translator with a license from the Ministry of Justice of Slovakia. It has legal force and is recognized by state authorities.

How does an official translation differ from a regular one?+

A regular translation can be done by anyone and has no legal force. An official translation is done only by a licensed sworn translator and is recognized by state institutions.

How to find a sworn translator for an official translation?+

Go to the website of the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic - Prekladatelia (Translators). Use the filters for language, city, and status to find the translator you need. Contact them using the details from the register.

Which documents require an official translation?+

An official translation is needed for legal documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, court decisions), educational documents (diplomas, certificates), and migration documents (passports, criminal record certificates, residence or work permits).

How much does an official translation cost?+

The cost depends on the translator, language, volume, and urgency. Usually, the price is given per page (1800 characters). For example, a translation of a birth certificate costs €20–€40, and a diploma with an appendix costs from €50.

Updated 29 July 2026