Signing a contract with a Polish party, registering a company in Poland, or submitting court documents in a foreign language? Contracts, company statutes, court decisions and powers of attorney often need to be translated into Polish, and for official use — by a sworn translator. An ordinary translation without the translator's seal will not be accepted by a bank, court or registry.
In this article we cover: when sworn translation of contracts and legal documents is needed in Poland, which documents are most often translated, how the procedure works and what mistakes to avoid. The information will be useful both for businesses and for individuals who deal with legal documents at work or in daily life.
Regular translation without a sworn translator's seal is usually not accepted.
QuoteBefore ordering, confirm with the recipient: sworn translation required, full document or excerpts, and how many copies are needed.
LEGIX team
When is sworn translation of a contract needed
Sworn translation of a contract or other legal document is needed when you submit it to a Polish authority or use it in Poland as evidence or basis for action: company registration under a foreign statute, concluding a deal with a Polish counterpart, court proceedings, approach to a bank, notarial certification, etc.
If the contract is drawn up in two languages (e.g. Polish and English) and states that both texts have equal force, Polish authorities usually do not require a separate translation. If the document is only in one foreign language, it must be translated by a sworn translator into Polish. For translation of documents for work, visa, residence card and other purposes you can contact a translation bureau.
Contracts and agreements: A lease, sale, service or employment contract concluded with a Polish party or to be performed in Poland often has to be
Company statutes and court decisions: When registering a branch or subsidiary in Poland, the business registry (KRS) may require sworn translation of the pare
Which legal documents are most often translated
Sworn translation is most often ordered for: contracts (lease, sale, provision of services, employment agreements); company statutes and founding documents; court decisions and orders; powers of attorney; registration certificates, licences; termination agreements, settlement agreements. The volume and complexity of the text affect the turnaround time.
Sworn translation is most often ordered for: contracts (lease, sale, provision of services, employment agreements); company statutes and founding documents; court decisions and orders; powers of attorney; registration certificates, licences; termination agreements, settlement agreements. The volume and complexity of the text affect the turnaround time.
Contracts and agreements: A lease, sale, service or employment contract concluded with a Polish party or to be performed in Poland often has to be submitted in Polish translati
Company statutes and court decisions: When registering a branch or subsidiary in Poland, the business registry (KRS) may require sworn translation of the parent company's statute or resolu
Translation requirements
You provide the bureau or sworn translator with the original document or a certified copy. Confirm whether the whole document needs to be translated or only part of it (e.g. selected articles of the statute). The translation is made into Polish with the structure preserved: headings, clauses, signatures and stamps are described or reproduced so that the authority can match the translation to the original.
Full translation of all pages with seals and signatures.
Data accuracy: names, dates and amounts must match.
Translator from the MS register for the required language pair.
Mistake 1: Submitting an ordinary translation without the sworn translator's seal to the authority. It will not be accepted. Always order sworn translation for official use.
What if the translation is wrong?
Submitting an ordinary translation without the sworn translator's seal to the authority. It will not be accepted. Always order sworn translation for official use.
Translating only part of the document when the authority requires a full translation. Confirm with the authority or the translation bureau whether the whole document or only extracts are needed.
Not checking the translation before submission. Typos in names, dates or amounts can lead to refusal or delays. After receiving the translation, verify key data against the original.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1. Confirm document list and translation type.
Step 2. Prepare quality scans of all pages.
Step 3. Send scans to the bureau for a quote.
Step 4. Receive sworn translation with seal.
Step 5. Verify names, dates and amounts before submitting.
Cost, turnaround and pre-submission checklist
Cost depends on volume and language. Exact price after reviewing scans — see price list.
Standard turnaround 24–48 hours for typical documents.
Checklist: (1) sworn translation with MS register seal; (2) all pages translated; (3) names and dates match; (4) apostille if required; (5) recipient requirements confirmed.
FAQ
Yes, if you submit the contract to a Polish authority (bank, court, registry, notary) or use it in Poland for official purposes. An ordinary translation without the sworn translator's seal is not accepted.