Translations can be divided into standard (normal; pol. zwykłe) and sworn (pol. przysięgłe). Each type can be written or oral.
Sworn translations are usually required at formal situations. A sworn translator not only translates a text into Polish but also confirms conformity of a translated work with an original document. If a translation is made on the basis of a copy, this fact is noted in a translation. Sworn translations are usually required in official situations. They can relate to: notary deeds, register abstracts, certificates, attestations, documents issued a registry office.
A sworn translator's stamp
It is a stamp produced in the National Mint. It is used by a translator for authenticating the translations and documents. Its shape is round, there is a name and surname of a translator and its register number. A stamp is put on every page of translated document.
In order to become a sworn translator, one needs to meet requirements specified in the Law from the November 25th, 2004, on the profession of certified translator (Journal of Laws no. 273, pos. 2702, 2004)
- have Polish citizenship or nationality of a Member State of the European Union, a Member States of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) - parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or on a reciprocal basis, inter alia, the nationality of another country Belarus, Ukraine (there is no list of these countries, it is always checked by the Department of the Ministry of Justice dealing with exams);
- know Polish language (no document confirming knowledge of Polish is required; it is verified during a sworn translator exam);
- have a full capability of legal activity;
- not to have criminal record for any intentional crime, fiscal offence or unintentional offence against trade turnover security;
- be a graduate of M.A. studies at a philological branch or at any other branch with graduation of post graduate translation studies for a particular language.
to pass an exam on translating Polish into foreign language and foreign language into Polish.
