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How to translate documents when moving to Luxembourg
In this article we will talk about the necessary documents in Luxembourg, which documents you need, when to seek the help of sworn translators and when notarization isn't required.
When you move to Luxembourg, you may not have time to deal with documents. However, many urgent tasks – registering in a commune, applying for a residence permit, renting an apartment – require certain papers. Most often, some of them you can prepare in the country of residence, but this does not guarantee that the translations will not have to be recertified or even translated again with the help of a local specialist.
Business communication with public authorities in Luxembourg is most often held in French or English. This should be taken into account when translating documents for relocation or other paperwork. Here we will look in detail at the entire process of preparing papers for relocation to the Grand Duchy.
Official languages
Luxembourg has three official languages – French, German, and Luxembourgish – but English is often added to the list.
Which documents do you need to translate when moving to Luxembourg
It will often depend on the status and grounds on which you're moving to Luxembourg. Relocation documents can be divided into necessary and additional.
Example of the certified translation with official stapm.
Necessary documents include:
- Passports (internal and foreign),
- Birth certificate,
- Marriage certificate, if you are married,
- Criminal record certificate,
- Documents for work or study.
Regardless of the situation, all documents in a foreign language should be translated to one of the official national languages before being sent to the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Otherwise, your application will be sent back.
At each stage of the move, you will need certain documents. Some of them need to be translated by a sworn translator and sometimes undergo other official procedures.
Request for a temporary residence permit
- Copies of all pages of a valid passport. No translation is required.
- A notarized copy of a recent criminal record certificate with apostille. The translation is required.
- Applicant's curriculum vitae (CV). Must be translated into one of the national languages.
- Copies of diplomas or certificates of professional competencies. Must be apostilled and translated.
- Copy of the work contract (following Luxembourg law), dated and signed by both the applicant and his future employer in Luxembourg. Must be certified and in one of the national languages.
- The official certificate from the National Employment Agency which states that the employer has the right to hire a third-country national. Must be in one of the national languages.
Arrival and registration at the commune
- A valid passport with a visa or temporary residence permit. No translation is required.
- Certificate of marriage or registered partnership. Must be apostilled and translated.
- Children's birth certificates. Must be apostilled and translated.
Obtaining a residence permit
- A valid passport with a visa or temporary residence permit. No translation is required.
- Declaration of arrival. No need for translation.
Enrolling children in school and daycare
- Valid passports. No translation is required.
- Marriage certificate. Should be translated. Apostille may be required if requested by the authorities.
- Children’s birth certificates. Should be translated. Apostille may be required if requested by the authorities.
- Registration certificate and, where applicable, a permanent residence permit or residence permit.
Getting an employment contract
Proof of education such as a diploma. Need to be translated into national languages. Apostille may be required on request.
Renting a house or apartment
- Proof of income. Must be translated in one of the national languages.
- Proof of employment. Must be translated in one of the national languages.
In addition to the basic steps of the move, you will often be faced with filing various documents during your stay in Luxembourg. This too should be taken care of in advance, especially if you have children or elderly parents.
Read more about documents that should be prepared when you are moving as a highly-qualified worker with Blue Card
Read articleWhich documents can be translated upon arrival
To make your move to Luxembourg easier we suggest preparing your documents in advance. You can collect your documents from your place of residence and translate them with the help of an agency or individual translator.
Documents that can be translated in the translator's offices in Luxembourg:
- Birth certificates,
- Marriage certificates,
- Legal contracts,
- Death certificates,
- Insurance certificates,
- Driving licenses,
- Court rulings,
- Divorce decrees,
- Police criminal records checks,
- Diplomas,
- Bank statements.
What other documents you might need?
The specific documents you'll need may vary depending on your individual circumstances, such as your purpose of relocation, visa requirements, and the nature of your stay in Luxembourg. Read more on the topic.
Which translations do not require certification?
Luxembourg generally requires certified translations for official purposes, especially when dealing with legal or administrative matters. However, for certain situations, such as for personal use or informational purposes, you may not necessarily need certified translations.
When certification by a notary or sworn translator is not required?
For example, if you are translating the following papers:
- personal correspondence,
- non-official letters,
- general documents and contracts not related to legal or administrative matters.
Which documents can only be translated in Luxembourg?
Sometimes documents must be translated by a certified or sworn translator in Luxembourg. Otherwise, your documents will not be accepted. For example, you will always need to translate your academic documents such as diplomas or transcripts via a certified notary translator in the country.
However, some documents need to be translated with the help of a different professional, a sworn translator. Here are some of the documents that may require a translation from a sworn translator:
Official documents
These are documents that are issued by a government agency, such as a birth certificate or a passport.
Legal documents
These are documents that are used in court or other legal proceedings, such as a divorce decree or a will.
Medical documents
These are documents that are used to diagnose or treat a medical condition, such as a doctor's report or a prescription.
If you are unsure whether or not you need a translation from a special sworn translator, you should contact the government or the organisation that is requesting the translation. They will be able to tell you if a special sworn translator is required and, if so, who you should contact to get a translation.
How to prepare documents for translation and certification by a sworn translator
One of the most important conditions for fast and high-quality translation of documents is the correct and on-time preparation of the sources for translation. You need to consider in what format a professional translator accepts the documents (by regular mail or in an electronic version, and if electronic, which file format), as well as make sure that the text you submit is readable.
Basic requirements to submit the files for professional translation
Check the basics
These are the minimal requirements for translator to work with your documents fast and effective.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
High-resolution scans
Clear and legible scans of documents to be provided.
Complete sets
Make sure to scan all the pages in the documents.
File formats
Usually, translators work with PDF or Word formats.
Check the basics
These are the minimal requirements for translator to work with your documents fast and effective.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
After the translator sends you the certified translation, make sure that everything is done correctly. Important indicators of a well-translated document are as follows.
- A well-translated document should accurately convey the meaning, context, and intent of the original text.
- The translated document should adhere to the grammatical rules and syntactical conventions of the target language. Proper sentence structure, verb agreement, word order, and punctuation.
- Consistent use of terminology is crucial in technical, legal, or specialized translations. A well-translated document should demonstrate consistency in terminology and avoid ambiguity or confusion.
- The translated document should match the formatting and presentation of the original document as closely as possible. This includes factors such as headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables, and other visual elements.
Where to find certified interpreters in Luxembourg
Finding the right translator is an important step. When it comes to translating documents, many people immediately turn to large translation agencies, assuming that their reputation guarantees flawless results.
While these agencies certainly deliver high-quality work, it’s not always the right choice. If you have a smaller number of documents requiring translation, opting for a private translator or a smaller agency can be more advantageous.
Why do you need sworn interpreters to translate documents?
The Minister of Justice may, in criminal and administrative matters, appoint sworn experts, translators and interpreters, specially entrusted with the execution of missions delegated to them by the judicial and administrative authorities.
Officials
You can find a list of certified sworn translators in Luxembourg, filtered by the language on the website of the Ministry.
A sworn translator is not a notary and cannot notarize documents or work with originals. However, if you have a finished translation that needs to be notarized or a notarized document that needs to be translated, they can help you. In other words, a sworn translation involves the authentication of a translated document by a notary public, who verifies the accuracy of the translation and the identity of the translator.
Who to contact for professional translation
Obtaining initial documents for smooth relocation, as well as further living and dealing with document-related issues in Luxembourg for expats often requires reliable document translation specialists who you can trust.
Association of Translators and Interpreters
The Luxembourg Association of Translators and Interpreters (ALTI) is a non-profit professional body founded in 2011 to defend the interests of professional translators and interpreters in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and raise public awareness of these professions.
Address: 30 rue des Fleurs, Dudelange, Luxembourg
Email: contact@traducteurs-interpretes.lu
Website: traducteurs-interpretes.lu
Alphatrad Luxembourg
Alphatrad is a translation agency that has been in business for over 40 years. They offer a wide range of translation services, including sworn translations, and a wide range of languages they work with — more than 100.
Translator.lu
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If you require an interpreter or certified legal and financial translations, Davide Cavanna can help. He is a translator and interpreter at the Court of Justice, specializing in translations between Italian, German, French, English, and Spanish. Through his network, he also provides services for other languages, ensuring the precision of your legal and financial documents.
Get in touchAdvertisement
How much does it cost to translate documents in Luxembourg
The cost of document translation services in Luxembourg depends on the number of documents, their complexity and the interpreter you turn to. Here you can find a table with approximate prices across the market.
Approximate cost of translation in 2024
| Document type | Price per document |
| Birth certificate | 40 – 50 euros |
| Marriage certificate | 30 – 60 euros |
| Death certificate | 30 – 60 euros |
| Diploma | 50 – 100 euros |
| CV | 40 – 50 euros |
| Legal document | 50 – 100 euros |
| Technical document | 70 – 170 euros |
Budget for paperwork
On average, it will cost you around 400-500 euros to translate a package of documents for a family relocation to Luxembourg.
Please note that these are just average prices and the actual cost of the translation may vary depending on the complexity of the document, the urgency of the translation, and the experience of the translator.
When documents need to be apostilled
An apostille is a specific type of certification attached to a document to verify its authenticity and facilitate its recognition in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It confirms the validity of a document's signature, seal, or stamp.
Prepared at the country of origin
Only the issuing authority can place an apostille, which means that neither a notary nor a sworn translator can apostille a document.
For instance, if you require an apostille for a diploma of education, you must request it directly from the educational institution or the Ministry of Education in your country. They are the only entities authorized to issue an apostille for that particular document!
The following documents are most likely to require an apostille:
- Birth certificate;
- Marriage certificate;
- Death certificate;
- Diploma;
- Transcripts;
- Police certificate;
- Medical certificate;
- Visa application;
- Employment contract;
- Tax return;
- Bank statement.
Having your documents translated is a crucial first step in securing your Luxembourg residence permit. It's essential to follow official procedures to avoid delays. Keep in mind that unforeseen circumstances can arise, so be prepared to adapt to any additional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a sworn translation in Luxembourg and when one need it?
A sworn translator in Luxembourg is an authorized professional who has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Justice. They have undergone specific training, met stringent criteria, and taken an oath before a court to provide accurate and reliable translations. Sworn translators have the authority to translate and certify the authenticity of various types of documents, such as legal contracts, certificates, diplomas, or official correspondence.
When a document is translated by a sworn translator, they provide a signed and stamped certificate of accuracy, affirming that the translation is true and faithful to the original document. This certification ensures that the translation is legally recognized and accepted by Luxembourgish authorities and institutions.
How much does it cost to translate a document in Luxembourg?
The cost of translating a document varies depending on a number of factors, including the length of the document, the language, the complexity of the document, and the urgency of the translation. In general, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from 15 to 30 euros for simple documents, and around 100 euros for complex multi-page papers.
As our readers say, a family of three usually spends around 300 euros for translating all the documents they need in the process of relocation. A lot still depends on factors, such as grounds and personal circumstances.
Where can I have a document translated professionally in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, you have several options for professional document translation services. Sworn translators, also known as certified translators, are authorized professionals recognized by the Luxembourgish authorities. They specialize in translating documents such as legal contracts, certificates, or official correspondence.
Translation agencies in Luxembourg offer professional translation services with a team of experienced translators who specialize in various fields and languages. They can handle a wide range of documents, including legal, technical, medical, or business-related content. You can search online or consult local directories to find translation agencies in Luxembourg.
Many professional translators in Luxembourg work independently as freelancers. They often specialize in specific languages or subject areas. You can find freelance translators through online platforms, professional associations, or personal referrals. Before hiring a freelance translator, it's important to review their credentials, experience, and client feedback.
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Source: www.alphatrad.com, boutiquetranslation.lu, www.justarrived.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, mj.gouvernement.lu, gouvernement.lu
We took photos from these sources: Luxtoday, Unsplash
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