Certified True Copies: A Guarantee of Authenticity for Your Official Documents
In many administrative and commercial procedures, it is often required to provide certified true copies of official documents. These copies ensure that the reproduced document is faithful to the original and can be legally used in transactions or official procedures. But what exactly is a certified true copy, and how can you obtain one?
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What is a Certified True Copy?
A certified true copy is a reproduction of an official document whose conformity with the original is attested by a competent authority. This certification guarantees that the copy is identical to the original in terms of content and presentation.
Certified copies are often required to avoid presenting original documents, which could be lost or damaged during certain procedures.
Examples of documents requiring a certified true copy:
✅ Passports and identity documents
✅ Commercial register extracts
✅ Diplomas and academic certificates
✅ Company statutes
✅ Contracts and legal agreements
✅ Property documents and notarized deeds
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Who Can Certify a True Copy in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, several authorities can certify a true copy, depending on the nature of the document:
- Notaries: for legal, commercial, and private documents
• Cantonal State Chancery: for administrative documents
• Municipality (local administration): for identity documents and certain official acts
• Swiss embassies and consulates: for documents intended for use abroad
• Commercial Register: for company documents
Each institution applies its own rules based on the type of document and its intended use.
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Why Use a Certified True Copy?
🔹 Document authentication: proves that a copy is identical to the original without requiring its presentation
🔹 International use: many countries require certified true copies to validate Swiss documents
🔹 Protection of original documents: avoids the risk of losing or damaging the originals
🔹 Simplification of administrative procedures: some processes require multiple copies of the same document
Certified true copies are particularly used for international business transactions, immigration, bank account openings, and enrollment in foreign academic institutions.
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Procedure for Obtaining a Certified True Copy
💼 Step 1: Prepare the Original Document
The original document must be presented to the competent authority. Some documents (such as diplomas) may require an official translation before certification.
📄 Step 2: Verification and Certification
The competent authority compares the copy with the original, ensures that no modifications have been made, and then affixes an official stamp and signature certifying its conformity.
📜 Step 3: Apostille or Legalization (if necessary)
If the certified true copy is intended for use in a foreign country, an apostille or consular legalization may be required for international recognition.
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My Swiss Company SA – Corporate Services Provider in Switzerland: Your Partner for Certified True Copies
In Switzerland, My Swiss Company SA – Corporate Services Provider offers a fast and secure service for obtaining certified true copies.
✅ Comprehensive service: document verification, certification, and coordination with the competent authorities
✅ Tailored service: advice tailored to the requirements of each country
✅ Assistance with apostille and legalization
✅ Speed and efficiency to ensure timely processing
When setting up a business in Switzerland or abroad—whether a subsidiary, branch, or holding company—certified true copies play a crucial role in the constitution and management of administrative files. They are often required for company registration with authorities, bank account openings, contract signings, and obtaining business licenses.
By ensuring the authenticity of official documents, they facilitate procedures and ensure the legal compliance of transactions. Using a professional service for the certification and legalization of these documents helps accelerate the process and avoid administrative complications, ensuring a fast and secure establishment of the legal entity.