Once the desire has been born and the destination country has been chosen, we can prepare for the move in advance, from home, in many respects.
Moving abroad is certainly exciting as it offers many new experiences and opportunities. But it can be a challenging decision though. Here are listed some of the common tasks and challenges you may face when moving to a new country. Preparing the basics can make the initial period much easier. Arriving, settling in and additional issues of a new life can be a huge task. Not to mention all the paperwork and translation of documents needed for the move. So let’s see what kind of translations you might need and some pieces of practical advice.
When may you need a certified translation?
Experience shows when someone wants to settle abroad or apply for citizenship, for example, some countries prefer to have a translation being done locally. This is often more reassuring for the relevant authorities than a translation by a translation agency registered in another country. If you are planning to do this, it is always worth checking with the relevant foreign authority whether it is acceptable for a translation to be prepared and certified by a translation agency in Budapest, for example. In most cases, of course, they will not object to it. However, if they do not trust the foreign company for some reasons, they may require it to be certified or translated in accordance with local customs. In Hungary, certified translations are governed by two regulations, which also set out the framework for professional translation and interpretation. These can also stipulate the following: unless otherwise provided by law, translation certification, certified copies in foreign languages and certified translations may only be executed by the National Translation Certification Office (OFFI).
Which documents should be translated into an official language?
The most common documents for which clients request official translations are birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, personal documents, certificates of good conduct, driving licence, company documents, invoices and contracts. Of course, translations can be made of any document. But the purpose for which the document is to be used is important. A translation of a private document or a website does not necessarily have to be official. A translation of a medical report or a website is often only needed in a language that the reader can understand. In contrast, any legal document initiated by court, or a certificate is expected to be certified as authentic.
If a document is to be submitted to an office, the receiving institution can always provide precise information on the type of translation that will be accepted. This is not the translator’s responsibility. It is important to mention here the relief that, birth certificates in Hungary are now issued in three languages: Hungarian and the two official languages of the European Union, English and French. German, Dutch or Spanish are not yet available.
Which type of translation do I need abroad?
At this point the question arises what is the difference between an official translation and a certified translation. More specifically, this is where we need to decide what type of translation is needed for a given document. The difference between a certified translation and an official translation is that in Hungary, certified translations are only produced by the OFFI (as mentioned earlier). Which is a state translation agency and is authorised by law to produce such certified translations.
The good news is that a certified translation is more likely to be required only in Hungary, when the public administration or public bodies require such a translation for the administration of their affairs. Fortunately, abroad the practice is different and in most cases an official translation by a translation agency is also sufficient. Yet it is highly important to always check this!
Some specific advice for moving abroad
Language skills
Do not assume that the language of a country will “stick” onto you. Never leave without at least a minimum knowledge of the language. You need to know the language for all your business, learning, working and in general for everyday life. English is now spoken in practically each country, so you cannot go wrong with that. There are plenty of opportunities to learn a language before you go!
CV, references
Write your CV in English while you are still at home, and it is a good idea to write it in the language of the country you are visiting. If possible, get references in foreign languages from previous employers. If you receive a Hungarian reference, you should have it translated by an official translation agency.
Driving licence
You may wonder whether your driving licence is valid abroad. Well, the good news is that a driving licence issued in an EU country is valid in all EU countries. What’s important is to check that it will not expire while being abroad! f it does, renew it at home in time. Another good thing to know is: if you go to America, your Hungarian driving licence is valid for a maximum stay of one year.
