Mortgages loans in Italy for foreign citizens: which documents to translate and have certified

Buying a home in Italy is an increasingly common wish for foreign citizens living or working in our country. Whether the move is work-related, or the property is seen as an investment or the decision is to settle permanently in the country, applying for a mortgage in Italy means having the bank provide a series of documents which, if drawn up in a language other than Italian, must be translated and, in most cases, certified in a court.

We consider here which documents need to be translated, why a simple translation is not enough, and how the certification process works through a qualified translator.

Why the bank requires translated and certified documents

Before granting a mortgage, Italian banks must verify the applicant’s financial stability: income, job security and any other financial commitments. If the applicant is a foreign citizen and the documents certifying this information were issued abroad, the bank requires a legally valid Italian version, not just an informal translation.

As a result certification comes into play. This is a procedure whereby a translator, known as a sworn translator, takes an oath before a court official, declaring that the translation is a faithful and complete translation of the original document. When this has been done the translation acquires legal validity and can be accepted by banks, public bodies and notaries.

Documents to be translated when applying for a mortgage

The documents most frequently requested by Italian banks when assessing a mortgage application from foreign citizens are usually the following:

• Employment contract: this shows the status of the employee’s relationship with the employer, the duration of the contract and the terms of remuneration. It is one of the documents the bank uses to assess the applicant’s income stability.
• Latest tax return: this certifies the total income received during the last tax year and is used to calculate the borrower’s ability to repay the mortgage.
• Two most recent payslips: these provide an up-to-date picture of current earnings, complementing the tax return.

Depending on the bank and the applicant’s personal circumstances, other documents may also be required, such as bank statements, statements regarding any securities held, any financial commitments, residence certificates or identity documents. Any such documents drawn up in a foreign language must in any case follow the same procedure: professional translation followed by court certification.

How the translation and certification process works

The process by which a document is transformed from its original language into one that is fully legally valid in Italy generally involves the following stages:

1. Analysis of the document: the translator assesses the type of document, the source language and any technical or legal terminology it contains.
2. Checking for legalisation or Apostille: to be recognised in Italy, certain documents must have an Apostille (as is the case with civil status documents such as birth, death and marriage certificates; criminal or judicial documents such as criminal records and pending charges; and notarial documents such as deeds of sale and powers of attorney) or be legalised, depending on the country of origin (check your country’s regulations by requesting a personalised consultation).
3. Professional translation: the text is translated into Italian by a translator specialised in the relevant sector (employment, tax, or banking etc.), to ensure terminological accuracy as well as linguistic precision.
4. Court certification: the translator, in their capacity as a qualified expert, appears in court to swear before the registrar that the translation is true to the original. A record of the oath is drawn up and attached to the translation.

Why use a specialist translator

Translating an employment contract or a payslip is not only a linguistic matter: every sector has its own specific terminology, and any error or inaccuracy can cause delays in the mortgage application process or, in the worst cases, lead to the bank rejecting the application. A translator is needed that has expertise in legal and financial matters, is familiar with the correct phrasing, on the typical items found on foreign payslips and the wording required by Italian credit institutions, to be able to reduce the risk of requests being forthcoming for additional documentation.

If you put yourself in the hands of Globostudio, with its proven track record, and its ability to verify individual documents specific to each country and experience in handling both the translation and the subsequent certification, you will speed up the process and this will be coordinated in its entirety by a single point of contact, with no need to approach translators and various experts separately.

GLOBOSTUDIO: translations and certifications in Como for over 30 years

GLOBOSTUDIO is a translation and interpreting agency based in Como, which has been serving individuals and businesses for over 30 years. We work in over 40 languages and offer personalised advice for all kinds of documents, including translations of employment contracts, tax returns and payslips required when mortgage applications in Italy.

Our certified translation services are carried out by court-appointed experts, ensuring translations with full legal validity that are accepted by Italian banks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a standard translation sufficient for the bank?

No, in most cases banks require a sworn translation or certification from the translation agency.

How long does it take to have a document certified?

Processing times vary depending on the court and its workload, but generally the translation and certification of documents such as payslips or tax returns take a few working days.

Do I also need the document legalised, as well as certified?

It depends on the country of origin of the document and its intended use. In some cases, an Apostille or consular legalisation is also required: our agency can advise you whether this is a requirement for your specific case.

Which languages do you offer for certified translations?

GLOBOSTUDIO works in over 40 languages, including the languages most frequently required for mortgage applications by foreign citizens residing in Italy.

Can you handle the entire process, including legalisation and the Apostille?

Yes, through our consultants, GLOBOSTUDIO is able to support clients by advising on individual documents, any legalisation or Apostille required in the country of origin, and translation and certification to ensure legal validity.