Sworn translation between Italy and Morocco: a practical guide

Guidance only, updated November 2026. Always check the requirements with the receiving authority.

Anyone using a document between Italy and Morocco will come across two similar ideas: the traduzione asseverata (or giurata) in Italy and the sworn translation made by a Moroccan translator. Both give you a translation with official value, but the procedures differ. This information is up to date as of November 2026: rules change, so always check with the receiving authority.

Italy: what an asseverated translation is

In Italy, giurata (sworn) and asseverata (asseverated) mean the same thing: a translation accompanied by a sworn statement (verbale di giuramento), in which the translator declares, under their own responsibility, including criminal liability, that the text is faithful to the original. The oath is taken before the court clerk (cancelliere) of any judicial office, including the Giudice di Pace office (Article 5 of Royal Decree no. 1366 of 9 October 1922), or before a notary. For records to be registered in the civil status registers, the civil status officer can also receive it.

According to the Italian Prefectures’ guides, asseverazione is not reserved to a profession: anyone who knows the source language and Italian can do it. Some court offices, however, require registration with the court’s register of expert witnesses or the Chamber of Commerce register of experts. For some procedures, such as citizenship, the translator must also be unconnected with the document.

How the asseverazione works

1. Prepare the file: original (or copy), translation and unsigned sworn statement, bound together as one document.
2. Book an appointment: many courts and Giudice di Pace offices only receive by appointment.
3. Swear in person: the translator attends with valid ID and signs in front of the clerk.
4. Add revenue stamps (marche da bollo): several courts ask for a €16 stamp every 4 pages and in any case every 100 lines, sworn statement included; some want another one on the statement itself. Practice varies, so check the office’s instructions.

Use abroad: the Apostille on the translation

If a translation asseverated in Italy is to be used abroad, for example in Morocco, the signature of the clerk or notary must be certified. For countries party to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, an Apostille is enough; it is issued by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Procura della Repubblica) at the competent court. Other countries require legalisation by the Procura followed by consular legalisation. The Convention has applied to Morocco since 14 August 2016.

An Apostille on the original Italian document is requested instead from the Prefettura (administrative and civil status records) or the Procura (judicial and notarial acts). Ask the Moroccan authority first whether it accepts a translation asseverated in Italy or wants one by a Moroccan sworn translator.

Morocco: the sworn translator

For years the profession was governed by Law no. 50-00 on traducteurs agréés près les juridictions, translators accredited to the courts (Dahir no. 1-01-127 of 22 June 2001). The reference text is now Law no. 52-23 on the organisation of the profession of sworn translators, enacted by Dahir no. 1-25-68 of 31 December 2025 and published in Official Bulletin no. 7478 of 29 January 2026 (Arabic edition). It entered into force three months after publication and repealed Law 50-00 (Article 151).

In short, under the new law:

• the sworn translator is an auxiliary of justice practising a liberal profession;
• they are appointed by the Ministry of Justice for one or more languages and take an oath before the Court of Appeal;
• each Court of Appeal has a roll of sworn translators, drawn up every year and published in the Official Bulletin and on the Ministry’s website;
• their signature is filed with the Court of Appeal registry and written translations are produced on security paper;
• translators already accredited keep their registration and now hold the title of sworn translator.

The law also creates a National Body of Sworn Translators, based in Rabat. Until its bodies are elected, the professional association ATAJ (Association des Traducteurs Agréés près les Juridictions) continues to carry out its tasks. Its website lets you search for a translator by name, language and city, and describes the distinctive features of their translations: green paper, embossed stamp and a QR code for verification.

Moroccan translations before Italian authorities

The Italian Embassy in Rabat and the Consulate General in Casablanca state that, since 14 August 2016, they no longer legalise Moroccan public documents intended for Italy: these documents, including translations by sworn translators, must bear an Apostille from the designated Moroccan authorities. According to ATAJ, the Apostille on translations is issued by the King’s Prosecutor at the court of first instance, with an online request through the apostille.ma portal.

For academic qualifications, for example, the Embassy sets out this order:

1. Apostille on the original Moroccan document.
2. Translation into Italian by a sworn translator, which also reproduces the Apostille details.
3. A new Apostille on the translation, that is, on the translator’s signature.

Practical tips

• Names as in the passport: Arabic names are transliterated in different ways; give the spelling in your passport and use it everywhere.
• Complete copies: all pages, front and back, with marginal notes and the Apostille.
• Stamps and signatures: a good translation renders or describes stamps, seals, signatures and handwritten notes.
• Right order: obtain the Apostille on the original before the translation.

Checklist

• Recent, complete and legible document.
• Apostille on the Moroccan original intended for Italy.
• Names checked against the passport.
• Stamps, notes and Apostille translated.
• Apostille on the translation, or asseverazione in Italy.
• Requirements of the receiving authority checked.

FAQ

Is a sworn translation made in Morocco valid in Italy?

Yes, if it is signed by a Moroccan sworn translator and their signature bears an Apostille. The Italian authority may still have its own requirements, so ask beforehand.

Who can asseverate a translation in Italy?

Anyone who knows both languages, by swearing before a court clerk or a notary; some court offices require registration with an expert register.

What changes with Morocco’s Law 52-23?

The title becomes “sworn translator” and a national body for the profession is created. Translators already registered keep their registration; some implementing texts are still being adopted.

Sources

• Prefecture of Ancona – Translation and asseverazione of documents
• Court of Modena – Asseverazione of expert reports and translations
• Court of Catanzaro – Asseverazione of translations
• HCCH – Status table of the Apostille Convention
• HCCH – Competent authorities of Italy
• HCCH – Competent authorities of Morocco
• Italian Embassy in Rabat – Translation and legalisation
• Italian Embassy in Rabat – Declaration of value request form
• Italian Consulate General in Casablanca – Translation and legalisation
• Moroccan Official Bulletin no. 7478 – Law 52-23 (Arabic)
• ATAJ – Association des Traducteurs Agréés près les Juridictions

Tarjama24 (Dr Jamal Ezzine) can prepare sworn Arabic ⇄ Italian translations of your documents, for use in Italy or in Morocco. Send a legible scan and tell us which authority will receive it.