A certified translation is a printed translation with the signature, seal and certification of a translator certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica (el Ministero de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto in Spanish), in addition to the revenue stamps required by law. Certified translations are recognized by the Government and thus have legal validity.
Certified translations always have the following elements:
- Heading with the name and identifying information of the certified translator, which indicate that it is a certified translation.
- Certified translator’s seal on every page.
- Certified translator’s signature on every page.
- Footer on the last page stating the date on which the translation was completed.
- Revenue stamps on the last page.
A certified translator can translate both foreign documents and documents issued within Costa Rica destined for other countries. In Costa Rica, public institutions require certified translations of all documents issued in any other language than Spanish.
The documents that usually need to be translated by certified translators include (but are not limited to) birth certificates, marriage certificates and police records, as well as high school and university degrees and transcripts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs establishes the costs of certified translations. The official list of certified translators registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be found here.
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