When is an expert translator needed?
In Mexico, there is no "certified/official translation" issued by schools, associations or other entities. For documents with validity before judicial and administrative authorities , what is usually requested is an expert translator. Find out what an expert translator is and when it is necessary.
What is an expert translator?
In Mexico, an expert is a professional registered with a judicial branch (state or federal) to act as an assistant in judicial proceedings. In the case of expert translators, they usually have a seal or signature (physical or electronic) to endorse their translations.
When is an expert translator needed?
Unfortunately, in Mexico, interpreting and translation are not regulated professions, so there is no institution that endorses or certifies interpreters and/or translators with official validity before the law. Therefore, for official procedures, notary offices, government agencies and educational institutions often require translations to be done by an expert translator in order to be considered valid. Typical cases in Chinese-Spanish:
Courts and prosecutors' offices: lawsuits, annexes, documentary evidence.
Notaries and corporate formalities: powers of attorney, minutes, contracts with Chinese companies.
Migration and marital status: birth/marriage/divorce certificates, background.
Education and employment: degrees, diplomas, academic records.
Foreign trade and technical: contracts, certifications, manuals, data sheets.
Health: certificates and medical records.
If your application says that a "certified/sworn/official translation" is required, in Mexico that means: expert translator. On the other hand, it is important that you confirm with the requesting entity if they require an expert translator from the federal jurisdiction or from a particular state.
How to verify an expert translator (critical step)
Consult the public directories on the official websites of each state Judicial Branch and the Federal Judicial Branch.
Verify that the name of the expert appears and is current in the correct specialty (translation/languages you need).
If someone offers to be an appraiser and does not appear or his or her registration is expired, do not hire.
How are the rates calculated?
Per page / sheet / word, according to complexity and format.
Tables, stamps, stamps, diagrams may involve extra cost.
Urgency and courier services are quoted separately.
In general, for administrative procedures requested by individuals, translation rates are at the discretion of each expert. In the case of Chinese, there are only a few expert translators with valid registration throughout the country, so consider this when you are quoting.
Do I need an expert translator if I require oral interpretation?
No. If what you require is oral interpretation, the fact that your interpreter is registered as an expert translator is completely irrelevant, and in no way guarantees the quality of the service you will receive. It is better to select your interpreter following this quick guide.
Coverage
We serve CDMX, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Queretaro, Puebla and projects throughout Mexico, Latin America and North America (on-site and remote). Tell us about your event and we will send you a customized proposal.
