A document can be translated accurately and still be in the wrong format for the authority receiving it. The terms professional translation, certified translation, notarized translation, apostille, and legalization describe different things. Do not order one service on the assumption that it includes the others.
Start with the receiving authority. Ask it to state the required format in writing, including whether it wants an ordinary translation, translator statement, notarized translation, original document, certified copy, apostille, legalization, or a translation of attached authentication pages.
The difference at a glance
| What you need | What it does | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Professional translation | Accurately presents the source document in the target language | General document review, business correspondence, medical records, education files where no formal format is stated |
| Certified translation | A term whose meaning depends on the recipient and jurisdiction; it may mean a translator or agency statement | University, employer, foreign authority, or application file where the recipient specifies its own certification standard |
| Notarized translation | A translation with the notarial act/form requested in the specific case | Georgian authority, notary, court, registry, or other recipient that expressly asks for this form |
| Apostille | A Convention authentication certificate for a covered public document | Public document used between relevant Apostille Convention countries |
| Legalization | A different cross-border authentication chain, usually for a destination outside the Apostille system | Public document used in a country where legalization is the relevant route |
Professional translation
Professional translation is the language work itself. It should accurately retain names, dates, places, document numbers, headings, signatures, seals, stamps, annotations, units, grades, and annexes. It does not decide whether the original is valid, change the underlying record, or guarantee acceptance.
What “certified translation” can mean
“Certified translation” is not a single worldwide legal format. A foreign university may mean a signed translator statement. A court may have its own rule. A Georgian recipient may instead ask for notarization. Ask what statement, signature, seal, or notarial act it wants before payment.
Notarized translation in Georgia
The Law of Georgia on Notaries includes verification of translation accuracy among notarial actions. The required form still depends on the recipient and the procedure. A notarized translation does not authenticate a foreign issuer, turn an unofficial paper into a civil-status certificate, or replace apostille/legalization.
For example, PSDA’s marriage-registration page specifically says a foreign-issued non-identity document must be duly apostilled or legalized and accompanied by a notarized Georgian translation. That is a procedure-specific rule. Do not automatically apply it to a university application, a private employer, a foreign authority, or a clinic.
Does an apostille certify the translation?
No. An apostille authenticates the origin of a covered public document for Convention use. It does not translate the document or decide whether a receiving authority accepts a translated version. The same separation applies to legalization.
Should the document be authenticated before translation?
Often, the recipient needs to see the full chain, including an apostille or legalization certificate. Translating the completed package can prevent missing pages. But the right order is determined by the recipient and the issuing-country procedure. Confirm it before requesting a translation.
Examples
University application: Ask whether the university wants a translator certification, a notarized translation, an official transcript, an apostille, or an education-recognition decision. These are separate questions.
Marriage registration: Follow the PSDA marriage rule for foreign non-identity documents and verify the current registrar checklist.
Residence application: Follow the exact permit route and current PSDA checklist. Do not infer a formal translation requirement from a different permit category.
Corporate document or power of attorney: The recipient may need specific signing, notarial, representative-authority, or authentication wording. See foreign company documents and foreign powers of attorney.
Medical record: A high-quality medical translation is usually the starting point. Whether a formal certification is needed depends on the insurer, clinician, court, or authority receiving it.
Send us the recipient’s instruction
For a useful quotation, send the complete document, target language, country and recipient, deadline, and the exact requirement you were given. Caucasus Translations can prepare the requested translation and coordinate a formal step where appropriate. We do not decide legal validity or recipient acceptance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need notarization for a Georgian translation?
No. The receiving authority decides whether notarization is required.
Is a notarized translation the same as an apostille?
No. Notarization and apostille have different functions. One does not replace the other.
Can a normal translation be enough?
Yes, if the receiving authority does not require a specific formal format.
Who decides whether a document is accepted?
The university, PSDA, Public Service Hall, court, bank, notary, embassy, insurer, employer, or other recipient decides its own current requirements.