Sworn translation — court translators in Serbia and Germany
When a German institution asks for a "beglaubigte Übersetzung", you need a sworn translation from a court translator. Here's how to get one, costs and where to look.
Court translator in Serbia
In Serbia, court translators are appointed by the Ministry of Justice. They are authorized to produce translations with legal validity — with a stamp and signature accepted in Germany and all other countries.
How to find a court translator
1
Ministry of Justice website
mpravde.gov.rs — registry of permanent court translators, search by language and city
2
Local court — notice board
The translator list usually hangs on the notice board in the court lobby
3
Recommended: ask for referrals
Ask in local diaspora groups — experiences with translators vary
Prices in Serbia
Document
Price (approx.)
Timeline
Birth/marriage certificate
2,000-3,000 RSD
1-2 days
Citizenship certificate
2,000-3,000 RSD
1-2 days
Criminal record certificate
2,500-3,500 RSD
1-2 days
Diploma (1 page)
2,500-4,000 RSD
2-3 days
Diploma supplement (5-10 pages)
10,000-20,000 RSD
3-5 days
Divorce decree
10,000-30,000 RSD
3-7 days
Prices are approximate and vary by city and translator. Divorce decree is most expensive as it usually has 10-20+ pages.
Vereidigte/r Übersetzer/in in Germany
In Germany, sworn translations are produced by vereidigte Übersetzer (sworn translators) authorized by German courts. Their translations are used in all legal and administrative proceedings.
How to find a sworn translator
1
justiz-dolmetscher.de
justiz-dolmetscher.de — official database, search by language ("Serbisch") and location. Most reliable source.
2
BDÜ (Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators)
bdue.de — professional association, members are qualified translators
3
Google: "vereidigte Übersetzer Serbisch [city]"
Many translators have their own websites with price lists and online ordering
Prices in Germany
Document
Price (approx.)
Timeline
Birth/marriage certificate
30-50 EUR
2-3 days
Criminal record certificate
40-60 EUR
2-3 days
Diploma (1 page)
50-80 EUR
3-5 days
Diploma supplement (5-10 pages)
200-500 EUR
5-7 days
Divorce decree
300-800+ EUR
5-10 days
Prices are approximate. In major cities (Munich, Frankfurt) prices are usually at the higher end.
Save money: translate in Serbia
Translation in Serbia is 3-5 times cheaper than in Germany, and German institutions accept translations from Serbian court translators. If you're planning a move, prepare all translations before departure.
Cost comparison: Serbia vs Germany
Recommended
Translation in Serbia
✓2,000-4,000 RSD per page (~17-35 EUR)
✓Faster timelines (1-3 days)
✓Accepted in Germany
✓Easier to find translator for Serbian
When there's no other choice
Translation in Germany
•30-80 EUR per page
•Longer timelines (2-7 days)
•Useful if you have no time for Serbia
•Fewer translators for Serbian
When you DON'T need a sworn translation
No translation
CIEC multilingual extracts
Civil registry extracts (birth, marriage, death) issued under the CIEC convention come with built-in translations in multiple languages. No additional translation or Apostille needed between member states.
No translation
EU documents with standardized forms
Some EU documents (e.g. European Health Insurance Card) are accepted without translation as they use standardized multilingual forms.
Depends
Documents in English
Some German institutions accept documents in English without translation (universities, international companies). Check in advance — government institutions usually require a German translation.
Common mistakes — avoid them
Wrong order: translation then Apostille
The most common mistake! If you translate the document before getting the Apostille, the translation doesn't include the Apostille stamp and you'll have to get a new translation. Always: original → Apostille → translation.
Expired document
Many institutions require documents issued within the last 6 months. If you have a translation of an extract from 2023 and the institution asks for it in 2026 — you need a new extract, new Apostille and new translation. Check the deadline before you start.
Translating a photocopy instead of original
The court translator translates the original with Apostille, not a photocopy. If you bring a photocopy, the translator may refuse or the translation will have no legal force.
Agency translation without stamp
Translation agencies without a court translator produce translations without legal force. Make sure the translation bears the stamp of a permanent court translator, not just an agency logo.
Frequently asked questions
Does the German Bürgeramt accept translations from Serbia?
Yes. German institutions accept translations from Serbian court translators (permanent court translators). The translation must bear the stamp and signature of the authorized translator. There is no requirement that the translation must be done in Germany — what matters is that the translator is officially appointed.
How long does translation by a court translator take?
In Serbia, simple documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate) are usually translated within 1-2 business days. More complex documents (divorce decree, diploma with supplement) may take 3-5 business days. In Germany, timelines are similar: 2-5 business days. For urgent translations, most translators offer express service for an additional fee.
Do I need a sworn translation for a CIEC extract?
No. CIEC multilingual extracts (birth, marriage, death) are designed specifically to eliminate the need for translation. They contain text in multiple languages, including German, and are accepted without additional translation in all CIEC member states.
What if my translation is older than one year?
The translation itself has no expiry date. However, if the document it refers to has expired (e.g. criminal record older than 6 months), you must obtain a new document and new translation. Some institutions require translations no older than 6-12 months — check in advance.
Need a sworn translator?
A sworn (vereidigter) translator for the Serbian-German/English pair — for diplomas, civil records, contracts and court documents.