Birth Certificates: Translation1

[ArabianNights]

I was wondering whether anyone could answer this: When I arrive in France, I will have to apply for a Carte de Sejour - which means I have to supply both my passport and birth certificate. Does the Mairie require that my birth certificate be translated by an official or 'approved' translator (such as Alliance Francaise), or can it be done by anyone?

Do I actually need to show my birth certificate as well, or is just my UK passport enough?

Thank you

[Bevdeforges]

If you have a UK passport, I seriously doubt they'll ask for a birth certificate.

If they do, Alliance Française is NOT a certified translator. By "certified" they mean a "traducteur assermenté" which is someone certified not only to translate legal documents but also to authenticate them. (It's kind of a racket here - expensive translations and verification at the same time.)

For example, a birth certificate can't be translated "officially" by someone who only knows English. You need someone certified for UK documents (i.e. rather than US or Australian or Canadian ones).

But it's doubtful you'll need to provide a birth certificate for your carte de séjour. Now, should you get married while you're living in France, that's another story...
Cheers,
Bev

[ArabianNights]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

If you have a UK passport, I seriously doubt they'll ask for a birth certificate.

If they do, Alliance Française is NOT a certified translator. By "certified" they mean a "traducteur assermenté" which is someone certified not only to translate legal documents but also to authenticate them. (It's kind of a racket here - expensive translations and verification at the same time.)

For example, a birth certificate can't be translated "officially" by someone who only knows English. You need someone certified for UK documents (i.e. rather than US or Australian or Canadian ones).

But it's doubtful you'll need to provide a birth certificate for your carte de séjour. Now, should you get married while you're living in France, that's another story...
Cheers,
Bev

Thanks for shedding light on this, Bevdeforges

I have just read elsewhere on this forum that in fact I do not actually need a carte de sejour, but my non-EU husband would. Thank you.

I might just cut loose some hassle and not apply for one for myself!