Document translation for Sweden: the auktoriserad translator system

Kammarkollegiet and the protected title

In Sweden, the title "auktoriserad translator" is awarded to translators who pass the examination held by the government agency Kammarkollegiet and is legally protected. When Swedish institutions require an official translation, they generally mean a translator on this register.

There are few translators on this register for the Turkish–Swedish language pair. Asking whether an English translation is accepted is therefore the first step towards simplifying a file for Sweden; many institutions, including Migrationsverket, accept documents in English.

Immigration and family procedures

• Family reunification: marriage and birth records; the Swedish registration authority (Skatteverket) requires an apostilled original and a translation
• Work permit: diplomas and experience letters accompanying the job offer
• Students: admission, financial means and educational documents

Sweden is a party to the Hague Convention; apostilles for Turkish documents are obtained from the governor's office or district governor's office.

Diploma Equivalency

The Swedish equivalence of foreign higher education diplomas is assessed by UHR (Universitets- och högskolerådet). The application is digital and can be completed using English documents. Regulated professions have a separate process with the relevant authority, such as Socialstyrelsen for healthcare.

Practical overview

• First confirm the language with the institution: is Swedish required, or is English sufficient?
• If English is sufficient, an apostilled original plus a notarised English translation is the most economical route
• If Swedish and registration are required, the translation must be completed by a translator on the Kammarkollegiet register; if an apostille is required, apply to the competent authority

Frequently asked questions