PIO translations, where to go today

You will see the terms sworn, certified or official translation. They mean the same thing. Eleni Diou is a registered sworn translator with Register No. 094, for the German and Greek combination.

What changed on 1 July 2019

Through Law 45(I)/2019 on the registration and regulation of the services of the sworn translator, the Republic of Cyprus established the institution of the sworn translator. On the same date, the certified translation services previously handled by the translation branch were transferred to sworn translators.

The role of the PIO today is institutional and supervisory. It publishes the Register of Sworn Translators, which is maintained by the Council for the Registration of Sworn Translators, and serves as the official reference point for confirming a translator's registration.

Who issues an official translation today

Only a registered sworn translator. The law defines a certified translation as the valid and accurate translation of a written text or document from a foreign language into Greek and the reverse, bearing the official seal of the Republic.

Government services, courts and independent authorities of the Republic use the services of sworn translators exclusively for certified translations.

Note that every certified translation passes through Greek. Certified translations directly between two foreign languages are not issued.

Where to go now

The process is simple and requires no travel. You find a sworn translator for your language combination, send a photograph or scan of the document, and receive a quote with a delivery time. The translation is delivered in printed or electronic form, with a stamp and a statement of accuracy, ready for submission.

Documents translated frequently include:

• Birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates
• Criminal record certificates
• Degrees, transcripts and qualifications
• Powers of attorney, contracts and court judgments
• Corporate, banking and medical documents

How to verify a registration

Every sworn translator holds a unique register number. Before commissioning the work, you can verify the registration in the official register published by the PIO. Eleni Diou has practised since 2019, covering the German and Greek combination.

The exception for school leaving certificates

The PIO announcement refers to an exception for high school leaving certificates issued after June 2006. If your document falls into that category, confirm first with the receiving body what exactly is required.

For all other academic documents, such as degrees, transcripts and qualifications, the requirement for a sworn translation applies in full.