Taking part in a court case in Poland — as plaintiff, defendant or third party? Any document in a foreign language that you submit to the court must be translated by a Polish sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły). Courts in Poland do not accept an ordinary translation or one made abroad: only a translation with the seal and signature of a translator entered in the Ministry of Justice register.
In this article we cover: which documents are most often required to be translated for court, how to arrange sworn translation, when to submit and what mistakes to avoid. The information will be useful for those conducting civil, family or commercial cases in Polish courts.
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
Why the court needs sworn translation
The court must understand the content of every document in the case. If a document is in a language the court does not use as working language (e.g. Russian, Ukrainian, English in an ordinary Polish court), the court requires a translation into Polish. This translation must be made by a sworn translator — the law thus guarantees accuracy and completeness of the translation.
Sworn translation has legal force: the translator is responsible for the translation matching the original. Each page is stamped and signed. Without such a translation the court may not accept the document as evidence or may adjourn the hearing. For translation of contracts, court decisions, witness statements and other documents for court you can contact a translation bureau with sworn translators.
Civil and family cases: In divorce, maintenance, property division or inheritance cases the court often requests documents from abroad: marriage
Commercial and employment disputes: In disputes between companies or employee and employer the court may require translation of contracts, statutes, orders,
Which documents are most often translated for court
In court cases the most often translated are: contracts and agreements; court judgments and orders (issued abroad); birth, marriage, divorce certificates; certificates and extracts (medical, bank, registry); powers of attorney; witness statements and explanations; expert opinions; correspondence and documents attached to the claim or defence. The exact set depends on the type of case and court requirements.
In court cases the most often translated are: contracts and agreements; court judgments and orders (issued abroad); birth, marriage, divorce certificates; certificates and extracts (medical, bank, registry); powers of attorney; witness statements and explanations; expert opinions; correspondence and documents attached to the claim or defence. The exact set depends on the type of case and court requirements.
Civil and family cases: In divorce, maintenance, property division or inheritance cases the court often requests documents from abroad: marriage and birth certificates, forei
Commercial and employment disputes: In disputes between companies or employee and employer the court may require translation of contracts, statutes, orders, pay slips. Documents in a for
Translation requirements
The translation is made from the original document or a certified copy. Each page of the translation is numbered and bears the sworn translator's stamp and signature. Usually you submit a copy of the translation together with a copy of the original. Keep the original translation — the court may ask to see it.
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 court. The court will not accept such a document as evidence. Always order sworn translation for court cases.
What if the translation is wrong?
Submitting an ordinary translation without the sworn translator's seal to the court. The court will not accept such a document as evidence. Always order sworn translation for court cases.
Translating only part of the document. The court may require a full translation. Check with your lawyer or the court registry.
Errors in names, dates, amounts. In court documents this can affect the outcome. 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. Documents in a foreign language submitted to a Polish court must be translated by a sworn translator with seal and signature. An ordinary translation is not accepted.