When buying property in the Netherlands, the final step of the purchase takes place at the civil law notary. During this appointment, the official deeds are signed and the property ownership is transferred.
If a buyer does not have a sufficient command of the Dutch language, Dutch law requires the presence of a sworn translator or interpreter during the signing of the notarial deeds.
Without a sworn interpreter present, the notary is not allowed to complete the transfer.
Why a Sworn Translator Is Required
Notarial deeds in the Netherlands are legally binding documents written in Dutch. Because of this, the buyer must fully understand the content before signing.
For buyers who do not speak Dutch fluently, the interpreter ensures that:
- the full content of the deeds is translated
- verbal explanations from the notary are translated
- the buyer understands the legal consequences of signing
The sworn interpreter also co-signs the notarial deed, confirming that the translation was provided correctly.
Who Is Allowed to Translate at the Notary?
Dutch law requires the translator to be officially sworn by a Dutch court.
This means the translation cannot be done by:
- friends
- family members
- the real estate agent
- the notary
Only a registered sworn interpreter is legally allowed to translate during the signing of the deed.
What Does a Sworn Interpreter Cost?
The cost of a sworn interpreter depends on the language and the time required during the notary appointment.
In most cases, the costs range between:
€250 and €1,000
Some languages require more specialized interpreters, which can increase the price.
Buying Property in the Netherlands as an Expat
Many international buyers purchase homes in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch fluently. Because of this, arranging a sworn interpreter is a common part of the buying process.
Professional guidance helps ensure all legal requirements are arranged correctly before the transfer date.
Jager Real Estate assists expats buying homes in Utrecht and surrounding cities and can connect buyers with trusted sworn translators and interpreters.
Contact
info@jagerrealestate.nl