How To Get A Death Certificate Translation?

Rana MaaloufRana Maalouf

How to Translate a Death Certificate?

Death certificate translation must be performed by professionals. A person who dies in a country where he/she is not a national, or if the death certificate has to be presented to any foreign institution by the inheritors, in these cases, the professionals should do a death certificate translation meticulously. This makes sure the process goes through reliably. A death certificate translation is an official document confirming a person’s death, mentioning the cause, date, and place. In case some actions ought to be taken abroad concerning the deceased, he/she needs to have this document translated into the language of the relevant country. Conversely, translation into some other language may be necessary.

Why a Death Certificate Translation is Necessary?

These could be the many reasons that certified death certificate translations are required, such as:

  1. Death Registration Abroad: While dying in a foreign country, a death certificate ought to be translated into the local dialect so that a declaration for the registration of his/her death can be made.
  2. Repatriation of Body: If the deceased’s body has to be taken abroad, the translation of the certificate from that country’s concerned language is required and given for showing reasons of death to the authorities.
  3. Inheritance Procedure: In case the deceased has an heir staying abroad, the translation of the death certificate into that language is required for following inheritance procedures to claim rights to property/ Bank accounts, if any, the deceased has abroad.
  4. Insurance Claim: If the person had insurance made abroad, for claiming the insurance benefit in that country, the certificate needs to be translated into that language.
  5. Foreign Marriage or Divorce: A party to the marriage had gone through marriage or divorce proceedings abroad, and one party is deceased. For such cases, there will subsequently be a need to translate the certificate into the target country’s language for authentication of such events.
  6. Study Purposes or Scholarship Applications: Translations of the death certificate might be needed in case the deceased was a scholarship grantee or under educational aid, considering cancellation or reassignment of those facilities.
  7. Military Procedures: Translation of the certificate will be necessary in military procedure cases if the person who has died was in military or compensation cases.
  8. Immigration Procedures: If the deceased was in the process of initiating their immigration procedure or they held relatives who have a right to immigrate, the translation of a death certificate should follow to finalize these procedures.

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 How to Translate a Death Certificate?

  1. Ask a Professional Translation Agency: This is truly relevant. You must choose professional and well-known translation agencies to translate an important document like a Death Certificate. The translation agency must have sworn translators who have experience in the translation process of official papers.
  2. Gather all the Required Documents: You would need a template of the original death certificate, a copy of the same, one copy of your Identity, and any forms given by the relevant Institution requesting your translation.
  3. Order from the Translation Agency: Contact your chosen translation agency and place your request. It will inform you about how much you have to pay and the period that is going to be taken to deliver translations.
  4. Check the Translation: Once you get the translation, make sure it is correct, accurate, and complete. If necessary, contact the translation agency to ask for any correction of mistakes.

Essential Elements of Death Certificate Translation

  • Sworn Translation: A sworn translator should do official translations.
  • Accuracy and Completeness: It must contain the information on the original document in full and accurately.
  • Grammar and Spelling: Correct grammar and spelling are essential in avoiding any eventualities when submitted.

Who Can Translate a Death Certificate?

Death certificate translations can be self-made by sworn translators or translation agencies that have a sworn translator. Considering the kind of document, that is legal, it is necessary not to have it translated by people who have nothing to do with official translation agencies. Otherwise, this translation will be refused by official structures, and it will bring too many legal problems.

How Long Does Death Certificate Translation Take?

This can vary for different translation agencies and the length of the document. Translation of a one-page document will take a day. However, in certain cases when it becomes necessary to repatriate the body of the deceased immediately, even quicker translation may be sought. Bringing the situation to the notice of the translation agency could make faster delivery options available.

Is Translation of the Death Certificate Necessary for Repatriation of the Body?

In the event of a requirement or need to repatriate the body of the deceased to a country other than the country of death, the translation of the death certificate into the language spoken at the destination country should be a mandatory requirement. Many countries will need the translation to be notarized, some might ask for more paperwork such as an apostille or even a Consult attestation. A call to the destination country’s consulate or embassy well in advance will help procedures to be done in the correct order including the translation of the death certificate.

Where to get the Death Certificate?

A death certificate is a document issued by the hospital/civil registry office, carrying the following information, such as:

  • Full name of the deceased
  • Date and place of birth
  • Date and place of death
  • Cause of death
  • Identification number of the deceased
  • Name and seal of the issuing authority
  • Residential address
  • Registration details

Can any family member obtain and translate the Death Certificate?

Any heir of the family can obtain the death certificate by what is called a probate declaration, have it translated by a sworn translator or a translation agency, and then hand it over to the proper authorities. Most receiving institutions would want an officially certified translation. Always engage a professional Translation Agency to avoid delays or potential problems; guaranteed accuracy will facilitate acceptance.

In translation, it can ensure that the death certificate is being conducted at a professional level, guaranteeing all the legal and administrative formalities related to the deceased are processed in the smoothest and fastest way.

Post updated on 2 Jul, 2024.

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