A sworn translator in Czechia (in Czech, soudní překladatel) is a specialist listed in the official register kept by the Ministry of Justice, whose translations are recognized by every Czech úřad (authority). Their work — known as soudní překlad (judicial or official translation) — is physically bound together with the original document or its certified copy, fitted with a translator's certification clause (doložka) and a round stamp bearing the small state emblem. Only in this form does the document carry legal weight.
A standard translation from an agency or done by an acquaintance won't be accepted by any official body. Below we explain when you actually need a sworn translation, how to find a translator in the official register on justice.cz, what it costs in 2026, and how an electronic translation differs from a stamped paper one.
Since January 1, 2021, the law on court translators and interpreters (zákon č. 354/2019 Sb.) has split the profession into two distinct roles: a soudní tlumočník handles oral interpreting (in court, at a notary's office, at the matrika, or during a wedding ceremony), while a soudní překladatel handles written translation of documents. Colloquially, both are referred to as "sworn" or "judicial" translation, or translation "s razítkem" (with a stamp).
A finished paper translation is physically bound with a tricolor cord (trikolóra) together with the original or a notarized copy. A doložka — the translator's certification that the translation is accurate — is attached on top, along with a round stamp bearing the state emblem. The document cannot be separated without damaging the binding. This exact construction is what makes a translation "sworn."
A judicial translation is required almost every time a foreign document is submitted to a Czech authority. The most common situations include:
If you're just moving to Czechia, it's worth fitting this step into your overall plan — see our first-steps checklist. Also useful on related topics: how to open a živnost and how to open a bank account in Czechia.
The official public register is called "Seznamy znalců, tlumočníků a překladatelů" and is available at seznat.justice.cz. It's free to use. The search tool lets you filter specialists by language, by region (kraj), and by name — handy for finding someone close to home.
Once you open a profile, check the key detail: the person must be listed specifically as a soudní překladatel for your language pair (for example, Russian–Czech). The profile shows contact details and areas of specialization. Sworn translators are also required to keep an electronic log of completed assignments (evidence úkonů), so there's no risk of fake "stamps" showing up in the register.
It's important to distinguish between two separate "price worlds." For government bodies (courts, police, ministries), the rate is fixed by law. For private clients, the price is negotiable and usually higher — the translator is entitled to charge market rates.
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Written translation for government authorities | CZK 550 per normostrana (started page) |
| Interpreting for government authorities | CZK 750 per hour |
| Private translation (individuals and businesses) | negotiable, usually above the government rate |
| Expedited turnaround | surcharge by agreement |
One normostrana (standard page) equals 1,800 characters including spaces, and every page that's been started counts in full. The government rates are set by vyhláška č. 507/2020 Sb. (as amended by novela 369/2022 Sb., effective since January 1, 2023, and still current in 2026). Private-order pricing depends on the language (rarer languages cost more) and urgency, so always confirm the final amount with your translator in advance.
The law recognizes two equally valid forms of judicial translation:
Which form you need depends on the specific úřad you're dealing with — ask in advance what they accept. Keep two nuances in mind. First, an electronic translation cannot be apostilled — apostille certification requires the paper version. Second, converting an electronic document into paper form (or vice versa) is only possible through authorized conversion (autorizovaná konverze) at a Czech POINT — available at post offices or úřady. Starting January 1, 2026, the qualified timestamp on an electronic translation must remain valid for at least 3 years from the date of translation (previously the requirement was roughly 5 years).
An apostille (for countries party to the Hague Convention) or superlegalization (for other countries) confirms the authenticity of a foreign document. The key rule is about sequence: the apostille or legalization must first be affixed to the original document in the country of issue, and only then can a sworn translator in Czechia translate it — including translating the apostille stamp itself. It doesn't work the other way around.
For many public documents from EU countries, an apostille isn't needed at all: under EU Regulation 2016/1191 (in effect since February 16, 2019), documents such as birth and marriage certificates can be accompanied by a multilingual standard form, which often eliminates the need for translation entirely. Requirements vary from one authority to another, so before paying for a translation, always confirm the exact set of documents required with the úřad itself.
A překladatel handles written translation of documents with a stamp, while a tlumočník interprets orally — in court, at a notary's office, or at a wedding. For paperwork, you need a soudní překladatel.
No. Authorities only recognize translations bearing a doložka and stamp from someone listed in the register on justice.cz. Otherwise, the document will be returned.
The translation is bound together with either the original or a notarized copy. Ask your translator and the receiving úřad in advance which one to use, so you don't end up damaging your original.
Typically 1–3 business days for standard documents. Expedited service is possible for an additional negotiated fee.
Often you'll need an apostille on either the document or the translation. Requirements are set by the destination country, so check them in advance.
Need a vetted specialist? Check out our directory of translators. For questions about submitting residence permit applications or nostrifikace, our migration lawyers can help. For more step-by-step guides on life in Czechia, browse our guides section.
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