Official translations are often necessary when preparing documents for government agencies, embassies, or courts in Cyprus. There are several types of certifications, depending on the situation: for instance, when submitting documents to immigration authorities, applying for a visa, or registering a company. Let's take a look at the certification options available in Cyprus and when they are required.
Company-Certified Translation
This is a quick and convenient way to have a translation officially certified. The translation is prepared on the agency’s letterhead and certified with the authorised person's signature and seal. It is generally accepted by private organisations, some embassies, employers, banks, insurance companies, and others. This option is convenient as it is processed swiftly and is included in the translation fee.
Please note that this option might not be recognised by the Cypriot authorities.
Sworn Translation (PIO)
This is an official translation, certified by a translator registered with the Register of Sworn Translators of Cyprus (PIO), in accordance with Law 45(I)/2019. The translator's signature and the seal of the Cyprus Ministry of the Interior certify the translation, confirming its official legal validity. This certification is compulsory when submitting documents to Cypriot government authorities, including the Immigration Service, the Courts, and the Ministry of the Interior. It is also recognised by most embassies and consulates in Cyprus.
Please note that a sworn translation requires the original document to be provided, and translations can only be carried out from or into the languages listed in the register of sworn translators (currently about 27 language pairs).
Court Certification – Affidavit
This is an official certification of a translation issued by the District Court of Cyprus, confirming under oath the accuracy of the translation and its correspondence with the original. The translation is attached to the original or a copy of the document, together with a sworn statement (affidavit) signed and sealed by the Court Registrar.
Please note that this option is commonly used for government and legal procedures, such as submitting documents to courts and land registry authorities, and for onward submission abroad.
Notarization (Certifying Officer)
A Notary (Certifying Officer) is a public official authorised to officially certify the authenticity of signatures on documents. This type of certification is suitable for documents intended for use both domestically and abroad.
In the Republic of Cyprus, the system for authenticating signatures is governed by the Certifying Officers Law (Cap. 39). The Minister of the Interior appoints certifying officers, who are issued with their own stamp and authorised to certify the authenticity of signatures or seals on documents. There is virtually no separate status of 'notary public' under Cypriot law.
Please note that notarization does not replace a sworn translation (PIO). Notarization is most commonly used for translations submitted to Germany, the USA, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.