José Henrique Lamensdorf - translation - tradução

Busca/Search
Ir para o conteúdo

Menu principal

PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR SWORN TRANSLATIONS

ENGLISH > SWORN X-LATION


José Henrique Lamensdorf
TRADUTOR PÚBLICO - INTÉRPRETE COMERCIAL
IDIOMA: INGLÊS - JUCESP 1086
São Paulo - SP



SWORN/CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONS
PRACTICAL GUIDE



Though I tried my best to be elucidative and straightforward in my two other pages here about sworn/certified translations, many of the people who have contacted me demonstrated not having the time and/or the patience to read them.

So this is a hands-on guide, devoid of details, on the most efficient way to solve the problem using my services.

1. In what language is the document you need translated?

If the document is neither in English nor in Portuguese, I won't be able to help you. Please seek a Certified Public Translator duly accredited for the language at hand, as described under #4 on this page (please click here).

Note: Unspecified Portuguese is the official national language in Brazil, Portugal, and a few other countries. Languages stated as "Brazilian Portuguese" and "European/Continental/Iberian Portuguese" do not exist as such; they are legally one and the same, hence there is no way - nor need - to make a sworn/certified translation between them.


2. What language does the original document you have needs to be translated into?

If the document needs to be translated into any other language than English or Portuguese, I won't be able to help you. Please seek a Certified Public Translator duly accredited for the language at hand, as described under #4 on this page (please click here).


3. Is it a non-Brazilian document to be submitted to Brazilian official entities? (If it's not, please proceed to #4 below.)

Please verify at the place where you'll be submitting your document with the translation, if the original to be translated complies with the requirements regarding:

  • if signature notarization is required

  • if consular legalization is required (this is done by the Brazilian Consulate with jurisdiction over the place where the document was issued)


The sworn translation is attached to the original. At the same place, ascertain whether they accept:

  • only the original document (typically POAs)

  • a notarized copy (typically personal documents to be held by the bearer)

  • plain copy authenticated by the translator (if feasible, I'll stamp the original for comparison)

  • plain copy or electronic file printout


If possible, try to obtain this information in writing, to avoid unpleasant surprises from a servant who might have their own rules on the matter.


4. Is it a Brazilian - or any other document - in Portuguese to be submitted to official entities outside Brazil?

If it's not intended for an English-speaking country, please check whether they accept documents translated into English.

Please verify, wherever you'll be submitting that document with its translation, if the original document meets their requirements on:

  • certified/notarized signatures

  • whether the original document must first undergo consular legalization by the destination country's consulate in Brazil


Please also verify whether my translation should undergo consular legalization by the consulate of the destination country in Brazil.

Note: I am registered at both US and UK consulates in São Paulo. The Consulate of Australia waives translator registration. Such registration is usually quick and simple, yet if you'll need consular legalization of my translations in other consulates, an early warning may save time.

The sworn translation is attached to the original document. At the same place, check whether they accept:

  • only the original document

  • a Brazilian-notary certified copy (typically personal documents to be held by the bearer)

  • a plain copy authenticated by the translator (if feasible, I'll stamp the original for comparison)

  • plain copy or electronic file printout


If possible, try to obtain this information in writing, to avoid unpleasant surprises from a servant who might have their own rules on the matter.


5. How much does it cost?

This is an absolutely valid concern. However it's pointless to tell me that"it's just one sheet"  or "it's 12 pages, but in big letters  nor"the text seems pretty straightforward". As determined by the Brazilian law on the matter, the statutory price is calculated on the number of "standard pages"  (named "laudas") of final, translated text, each such "lauda" comprising 1,000 characters, not including spaces.

I can make a ballpark estimate, no string attached, for reference only, if you send me the document scanned to a PDF file (at least 200 dpi). To do so, please use either of these links:


It's somewhat pointless to do a reverse auction among several translators in the same Brazilian state, searching for the cheapest one. All are required by law to charge the same for each standard page ("lauda") of final text. The variation due to one being more verbose than another is minor. If anyone offers you lower rates or discounts, watch out. Most likely they will be outsourcing the translation work to amateurs or students, and just signing them. It will be like buying counterfeit products or pirated software; the risk will be yours.

It is likewise not worthwhile to seek translators in other states, where the statutory rates will be possibly lower. On top of additional postage expenses, local translators availability there might also be an issue. Most likely a waste of time.


6. What does this cost include?

The statutory cost covers the translation alone. It does not comprise postage/courier in case you are not delivering originals and/or picking up the translation here, nor payment transfer fees in case you are outside Brazil (PayPal = approximately 8%; Xoom = US$ 4,99; international bank transfer = BRL 105,00 + whatever your bank charges you).

This cost covers only one translation. If you need more counterparts, please check item #10 on this page (click here).


7. How long does it take to be ready?

It depends. My legal duty is to produce two standard pages ("laudas") per business day without any urgency surcharge. I strive to serve all my clients as quickly as I can. If you plan in such a way to spare me from tight deadlines, we can elude urgency surcharges. Urgency is neither interesting to you, due to the additional cost, nor to me due to the disruption caused by having to reschedule work for other clients.


8. I want you to do it! How and when should I send you the originals?

The sworn translation is a physical document. I will need your original, and you will need my translation in hardcopy.

I am in the Consolação neighborhood, close to downtown, in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Please contact me so we can agree on details and schedule the job.

If it's a small job, maybe it will be better for you to send me the originals for translation directly.

If it is a large job and you want to save time, it would be better if you scanned the original to a PDF file and sent me via e-mail. In this case, use either one of these pages, depending on your case:

In this latter case, a partial up-front payment may be required, to safeguard me from a "No, thanks, I don't need it any more"  later.


9. When and how should I pay?

According to a resolution from DNRC, "Fees are owed upon the performance of the services", therefore payment should be made as soon as the finished translation is made available. As soon as the translation is ready, I'll advise you on the final cost (plus an estimate postage, if you want me to mail it). As soon as payment has been confirmed, I'll either leave the translation for pickup here, or mail it to wherever you choose.

Payment may be made via:



10. I have other questions...

In this case, there is no other option. Please check my other pages on sworn translations:

  • General (applies to all sworn/certified translators in Brazil)

  • Specific (specific to the São Paulo State and my personal work method)




 
Voltar ao conteúdo | Voltar ao menu principal