If you're a foreign national living or working in Poland, you'll almost certainly need a sworn (certified) translation of your documents at some point. Here's everything you need to know.
What is a sworn translation in Poland?
A sworn translation (tłumaczenie przysięgłe or tłumaczenie uwierzytelnione) is an officially certified translation of a document, carried out by a sworn translator registered on the list maintained by Poland's Ministry of Justice (Ministerstwo Sprawiedliwości). This type of translation is legally valid and accepted by all Polish authorities, courts, and public institutions.
Unlike a regular translation, a sworn translation bears the translator's official stamp, handwritten signature, and registration number.
When does a foreign worker need a sworn translation?
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC / karta pobytu) — the application requires translated copies of your passport, birth certificate, employment documents, and other supporting materials
- Work permit application — foreign qualification certificates may need to be translated
- Diploma recognition (nostryfikacja) — recognising foreign educational credentials in Poland always requires a sworn translation
- Driver's licence exchange — a foreign driving licence must be translated before it can be exchanged for a Polish one
- Court proceedings — any foreign-language documents submitted to a Polish court must be translated by a sworn translator
- Marriage / civil registration — registering a foreign birth or marriage certificate at a Polish Registry Office (USC) requires a sworn translation
- School enrolment for children — foreign school certificates may need translation
Which documents are most commonly translated?
- Passport (personal data pages, visa pages, entry stamps)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate / divorce decree
- Employment record / work reference letter
- School or university diploma
- Criminal record check (certificate of no criminal record)
- Driver's licence
- Medical certificates
How to find a sworn translator in Poland
The Ministry of Justice maintains the official list of sworn translators. You can search by language (e.g., Ukrainian, Russian, Belarusian) at: ms.gov.pl/tlumacze-przysigli
Make sure the translator's status shows as "wpisany" (registered and active).
You can also:
- Visit a translation agency in your city (many work with certified sworn translators)
- Use online translation platforms that offer delivery by PDF or courier
How much does a sworn translation cost?
Sworn translation fees are not regulated by law, but typical prices are:
| Language pair | Price per page |
|---|---|
| Ukrainian / Russian → Polish | PLN 40–70 |
| English → Polish | PLN 50–80 |
| Belarusian → Polish | PLN 60–90 |
One "billing page" = 1,125 characters (including spaces) of the target-language text.
How long does it take?
- Standard: 2–5 working days
- Express: same day or 24 hours (with a 50–100% surcharge)
- Online: PDF delivered same day, physical original by courier within 1–2 days
Key tips for foreign workers
- Always ask for the original copy with the translator's stamp — Polish authorities do not accept photocopies of sworn translations
- Verify the translator on the official MS list to avoid fraud
- Nexflow can refer you to a trusted translation office in your area
Summary
Sworn translation is a routine but essential step in the legalisation process in Poland. Plan ahead — especially if you're applying for a residence card, exchanging your driver's licence, or registering family documents.