What is the difference between apostille and sworn translation?

Question

Are apostille and sworn translation the same thing, or do I need both?

Auranik Consulting & Management · Accepted Answer

## Short answer
They solve two different problems and neither replaces the other. An apostille (or legalisation) authenticates the document itself -- proving the signature, seal, and issuing authority are genuine. A sworn translation makes the document's content usable in Polish, by a translator authorized to certify accuracy.

## What this depends on
You may need one, both, or neither depending on the document's issuing country and language. A document from an EU country in a foreign language may need only a translation (no apostille, thanks to EU rules) -- while a document from a non-EU, non-Hague country in a foreign language may need both legalisation and translation.

## Official source
EU Regulation 2016/1191; general Polish administrative-language principle (Polish Constitution Art. 27).

## Related Auranik tool
The [Marriage Certificate / Apostille Checker](/poland/immigration/documents/marriage-certificate) checks both requirements separately for your specific document.

What is the difference between apostille and sworn translation?

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