Glossary
Court interpreter (sodni tolmač)
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In short
A sodni tolmač is a sworn court interpreter appointed by Slovenia's Minister of Justice; their translation counts as certified (sodno overjen prevod). Such a translation is expressly required, for example, for a diploma assessment at ENIC-NARIC, and documents for a permit application are filed certified and translated.
Key figures
- Who appoints court interpreters
- the Minister of Justice, for an indefinite term; the interpreter starts work after taking the oathLegal basis: ZSICT · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Register of court interpreters
- the Imenik sodnih tolmačev is kept by the Ministry of Justice, with a public search by language on gov.siLegal basis: ZSICT · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Documents for a permit application
- are filed certified and translatedas of 10 October 2026 · source
- Documents for ENIC-NARIC
- the original education document with a certified court translation, plus proof of the content and length of the studies; legalisation (an apostille) is not required unless authenticity is in doubtLegal basis: ZVPI, 7. in 20. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- What an apostille confirms
- the authenticity of the signature and seal, not the content of the documentLegal basis: ZOLMP-1, 3. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Who a sodni tolmač is
- Appointment: the Minister of Justice, for an indefinite term; the interpreter starts work after taking the oath.
- Register: the Imenik sodnih tolmačev is kept by the Ministry of Justice, with a public search by language on gov.si.
- Each interpreter works with the specific languages listed in the register.
When you need a certified translation
- Residence permit: documents are filed certified and translated.
- Diploma assessment at ENIC-NARIC: the original education document with a certified court translation, plus proof of the content and length of the studies; legalisation (an apostille) is not required unless authenticity is in doubt.
- An apostille does not replace a translation: it confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal, not the content of the document.
How to choose an interpreter
You find an interpreter in the Ministry of Justice register by language. Before ordering, check with the authority you file with whether the whole document including the apostille must be translated and whether a translation made abroad is accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find a court interpreter in Slovenia?
In the Ministry of Justice register, Imenik sodnih tolmačev, which you can search by language.
Do I need a translation if the document already has an apostille?
Yes. An apostille only confirms the signature and seal, so a document in a foreign language usually still needs a Slovenian translation.
Who appoints court interpreters?
The Minister of Justice, for an indefinite term. The interpreter starts work after taking the oath and then regularly proves further training.
Related terms
Sources
This text was generated by AI and has not been reviewed by an editor.
Updated: 10 October 2026
General information, not individual legal advice. Rules and amounts change: confirm the exact conditions for your case at a consultation.