The documents most commonly required for a visa or study-abroad application — and which ones usually need a certified (sworn) translation if your destination isn't French-speaking.
Identity & civil status
- Birth certificate (acte de naissance) — certified translation usually required
- Passport (valid 6+ months, plus copies) — usually not (international document)
- National ID card (CNI) — sometimes
- Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable — certified translation usually required
- Certificate of single status (certificat de célibat), if marrying abroad or for some family visas — certified translation usually required
- Police clearance / criminal-record extract (casier judiciaire) — certified translation usually required
Education (study or skilled-work files)
- Diplomas & degree certificates — certified translation usually required
- Academic transcripts (relevés de notes) — certified translation usually required
- Admission / acceptance letter — usually not (issued in the destination's language)
- Language-test results (TCF, TEF, IELTS, TOEFL) — usually not
Financial & supporting
- Proof of funds — bank statements / bank attestation — sometimes (often required if issued in French)
- Employment letter, work contract or pay slips, if applicable — sometimes
Rule of thumb: any official document issued in French, for a destination that doesn't operate in French, will usually need a certified (sworn) translation to be accepted. Documents already in the destination's language usually don't.
Important: requirements vary by country, visa type and institution. This is general guidance for common cases — always confirm the exact list with the specific embassy, consulate or university you're applying to.
Next step: every document marked certified translation required must be translated by a sworn, court-accredited translator to be accepted. I'm accredited by the Cour d'Appel de Lomé (AFA/013) — send me your list and I'll give you a free quote within 24h.