The Croatian police clearance certificate is issued in Croatian only. Most immigration offices cannot accept a document they cannot read, so they ask for a certified translation. We can arrange a sworn translation by a Croatian court interpreter and, if your destination country needs it, an apostille on the translation too.
Price on request. A sworn translation is not part of our online order. Contact us. Tell us the language you need and the country where you will use the document. We will tell you the price and the time it takes.
What a sworn translation is
A sworn translation (in Croatian: ovjereni prijevod) is a translation made and certified by a permanent court interpreter (stalni sudski tumač). A permanent court interpreter is a translator appointed by a Croatian county or commercial court to translate official documents.
The interpreter binds the translation to the original document (or to a copy of it) and adds a signed and stamped statement confirming that the translation is complete and matches the original. This is why it is often called a “certified”, “official” or “court” translation.
A translation you make yourself, or one by a translator without court appointment, is usually not accepted for immigration purposes.
Why immigration offices ask for it
Immigration and visa authorities need to understand every document in your file. Most of them have rules for documents that are not in their language. For example, they usually ask for:
- a full translation of the whole document, including stamps and the apostille
- a translation by a certified or sworn translator
- a copy of the original document together with the translation
The exact rules differ by country. Some countries accept a Croatian sworn translation. Others prefer or require a translator who is accredited in their own country. Before you order, check your own instructions or read our country guides. If your instructions say that the translation must be made in the destination country, you may only need the certificate with an apostille.
Languages
Most of our clients need a translation into English. Croatian court interpreters also work with many other languages, for example German, Spanish or Portuguese. Please contact us and tell us the language. We will tell you if we can arrange it and what it costs.
Apostille on the translation
A sworn translation made in Croatia is a Croatian document in its own right. If your destination country needs an apostille, it usually needs one on the translation as well as on the original certificate. The competent municipal court can place an apostille on a translation certified by a Croatian court interpreter.
The usual order is:
- The Ministry issues the signed and stamped certificate.
- The court places an apostille on the original certificate.
- The court interpreter translates the certificate together with its apostille.
- The court places an apostille on the translation.
Following this order means the apostille on the original is also translated, which many immigration offices expect. We follow this order when we arrange a translation for you. Read more about the apostille on the apostille page.
Spelling of your name. The translation uses the spelling of your name from the Croatian certificate. If your name is written differently in your passport (for example, because of transliteration from another alphabet), tell us when you contact us about the translation. The interpreter can then note the passport spelling, so the documents in your file match.
What you receive
- The original Croatian certificate with an apostille
- The sworn translation, signed and stamped by the court interpreter and bound to the certificate or to a copy of it
- An apostille on the translation, if you need it
- A scan by email and, if you want it, the paper originals by courier
Keep the documents as you receive them. Do not remove the cord, staples or seal that bind the translation, because the office may then refuse it.
Is a scan of the translation enough?
For some online applications, a clear colour scan of the original certificate and the translation is enough. Other offices need the paper originals sent by post or shown at an appointment. Check your instructions. If you are not sure, choose courier delivery so you have the originals when you need them.
How it fits into the process
You do not need to send us anything for the translation. After the lawyer collects your certificate in Zagreb, we pass it to the court interpreter, and then to the court for the apostille on the translation if you need one. The translation adds some time to your order. Read how it works for realistic timelines.
Questions about sworn translations
Can I use a translator in my own country instead?
Yes, if your immigration office accepts that. Some countries prefer their own accredited translators. In that case, order the certificate with apostille from us and have it translated locally.
Can you translate a certificate I already have?
Possibly. Please contact us and tell us what document you have and what your destination country needs.
Is the translation also valid for a limited time?
The translation does not have its own expiry date. The receiving country looks at the date the certificate was issued.