I am asked to submit a certified translation. What does that mean and what do I ask in order to receive it?

Roughly speaking, we could distinguish between two types of translation: the certified, aka official, translation and the non-certified, or simple translation. Both types are provided by a professional translator and adhere to all processes and quality checks applying for any translation work.

The difference relies on whom it is destined for. In case you are the end user, then a simple translation will suffice for you to understand what you need and proceed accordingly. However, in case the translated document needs to be used for administrative purposes then what you should request is a certified translation; that implies that the original document should bear an Apostille (https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised) and the stamp of a certified translator (and possibly a Consular certification after my certification too). If this is all Greek to you, please call or email me so we can clarify what you may need.

 

I need a translation. What next?

Here’s your next step: kindly upload your text here or email me your text to [email protected]

Please make sure the file you send me is readable and includes all pages and texts and even stamps to be translated – leave nothing out!

The supported formats include any .doc, .docx, .odt, .pdf and any photo file such as .jpeg or .png with the highest possible resolution.

I will then review the document and provide you with the cost and a timeline but if you need it urgently please leave a note.

 

How much does it cost and how quickly can I have it?

No translation project should be undertaken unless the cost and delivery deadlines are clear and agreed upon by both parties. I usually charge on a per word or per page basis of the source document, that is the document you send me, depending on how easy it is to calculate the word count, the formatting, how technical it is, etc.

The quote and time needed depends on different factors, such as

• How quickly you need to get your translation;
• How complex the document is in terms of terminology and formatting;
• How large the volume is;
• My availability during that period, etc.

Please ask for a quote and I will get back to you within 24 hours at the latest with a quote and timeline!

 

OK, cost and timelines are accepted, how do we proceed?

In that case, I shall proceed with the translation. Upon completion and before any certification may be required, I will send the translation back to you via email so you can sanity check it (especially names, dates, etc.). This is a crucial step to avoid any issues later on in the process! Finally and most often, I need to physically post back the translations so you can take them to the Consulate or submit them to any authority.

 

I have received the translated document and made sure everything is OK. How shall I pay you for your work?

My standard payment method is direct bank transfer to my UK bank account. If you are based on another country, please note you need to incur the bank fees for the payment. Payments are to be made upon project completion as they normally include postage fee for physical translations. A digital invoice can be sent via email if you require one – all you have to do is ask and you shall receive!