What is a Sworn Translation
A sworn translation — officially known in Brazil as tradução pública (public translation) — is the official translation of a document, produced by a professional licensed and registered with the Board of Trade of the state where they practice. Unlike a regular translation, it carries legal validity: it is recognized by government agencies, courts, universities and institutions in Brazil and abroad as a faithful rendering of the original document.
In Brazil, only a Sworn Public Translator and Commercial Interpreter — appointed through public examination and registered with the state Board of Trade — is authorized to produce translations with this legal standing. Gelson Pereira da Silva is registered with the São Paulo State Board of Trade (JUCESP) under number 938, for the Portuguese-English language pair.
- JUCESP No. 938Sworn Public Translator
- PT ⇄ ENPortuguese and English
- Legal ValidityOfficial standing in Brazil and abroad
When a sworn translation is required
Public agencies, notary offices, universities, consulates and courts in Brazil and abroad typically require a sworn translation whenever a document written in another language needs to produce legal effect in the country. Common examples include:
Personal Documents
Birth, marriage and death certificates, ID cards, driver's licenses, passports and criminal background checks.
Academic Documents
Diplomas, transcripts, completion certificates and statements issued by educational institutions.
Corporate Documents
Articles of incorporation, powers of attorney, meeting minutes, financial statements and other business documents.
Legal Documents
Court rulings, contracts, legal filings and deeds used in judicial proceedings.
How the process works
The original document (or a good-quality scanned copy) is reviewed, a quote is sent with turnaround time and price, and the translation is produced following the standards required by the Board of Trade, bearing the sworn translator's seal, signature and registration number. The translated document can be delivered on letterhead with notarized signature, or as a certified digital version, depending on the requirements of the receiving institution.
Combining his training as a sworn translator with his experience as an international lawyer, Gelson also advises clients on which document type and certification is required by each country or institution, avoiding rework and delays.