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Sworn Court Interpreters and Translators Act
The Sworn Court Interpreters and Translators Act (Wet beëdigde tolken en vertalers - Wbtv) applies in the Netherlands. It governs the rules and regulations for sworn interpreters, who provide an oral translation of speech made in another language, and for sworn translators, who provide a written translation of text written in another language.
Interpretation and translation are liberal professions, which means that, in principle, regardless of training or background, anyone can set up as an independent interpreter or translator. You do not need to be registered in the Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (Register beëdigde tolken en vertalers (Rbtv)) in order to do this. The Rbtv is a database containing the details of sworn interpreters and translators in the Netherlands; it is managed by the Office of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (Bureau beëdigde tolken en vertalers). You must be registered in the Rbtv in order to be able to work as a sworn interpreter or sworn translator.
What information is in the Dutch translators’ register?
In accordance with Article 2 of the Sworn Court Interpreters and Translators Act, the Register for Sworn Interpreters and Translators contains the following details for each interpreter or translator registered:
- contact details;
- whether the person is an interpreter or translator;
- the source or target language(s) in which the interpreter or translator works; and
- the other specific skills that the interpreter or translator deems useful to have recorded in the register.
Who is responsible for the translators’ register?
Ultimate responsibility for the register lies with the Minister for Justice and Security; however, competence for deciding on entries into the Register falls to the Office of Sworn Interpreters and Translators.
Is access to the Dutch Translators’ Register free of charge?
Yes, access is free of charge.
How to find a legal translator in the Netherlands
Searches in the database may be performed by name or language combination(s).
Related links
Last update:
12/08/2022
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