Document Translation

Documents We Translate

Personal documents may include civil registry certificates, other certificates, diplomas and supplements, judgments, powers of attorney and statements. For companies, we translate constitutional documents, minutes, contracts, supplementary agreements, licences, banking documents, audit reports and business correspondence. We also consider forms and document packages for submission to embassies.

We also consider economic texts, personal correspondence and website content. For lengthy or highly specialised documents, we first assess the subject matter, terminology and availability of a suitable translator. The content, source format and layout requirements affect the scope of work.

Legal documents require careful treatment of party names, authority, references to schedules and defined terms. For contracts, procedural documents or corporate records, the arrangements for legal translation are agreed according to their intended use. Translation is not a legal review of the document or an opinion on its validity.

Languages and Subject Expertise

We consider requests involving Ukrainian, Russian, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Polish, Lithuanian, Georgian, Hebrew, Chinese, Farsi and other languages. Availability for a particular language pair, subject and deadline is confirmed after we receive the documents. Less commonly requested languages may require further arrangements.

Written translation is separate from interpreting at meetings, negotiations or other events. If you need an interpreter, provide the location, date, duration and subject of the discussion. This is a separate assignment; ordering a written translation does not automatically book a professional for a meeting.

Notarisation, Sworn Translation and Accreditation

These formalities are not interchangeable. The need for a notarised translation is assessed according to the country and the receiving body’s requirements. If a sworn translator or a translator accredited by a particular embassy is required, we first check whether that service can be provided.

We need to establish whether the source is an original, a certified copy or an electronic document. If an apostille or other formalities are required, we agree the sequence of steps. An apostille authenticates the origin of a public document, not its contents, and does not replace translation. Translating the completed document may include the apostille, stamps and certification wording.

If You Do Not Yet Have the Document

If the original has been lost or a new copy is needed, we first establish whether we can assist with obtaining the documents. A translation cannot replace a required document or correct discrepancies in the source information. Obtaining a replacement and translating it may form part of one agreed assignment, but they have different requirements.

The source text is reproduced in accordance with the agreed assignment. If a passage is unclear, damaged or contains inconsistent spelling, we clarify the issue with the client. We do not add missing information or alter facts to make a translation more convenient for submission.

What to Send for a Quote

We need legible images of every page, including reverse sides, attachments, stamps and existing certifications. State the source and target languages, the country of use, the receiving body, your preferred deadline and the number of copies. Include any prescribed template or formatting requirements from the outset.

For personal documents, names should follow the document that will be used when submitting the file. For companies, provide the agreed names, abbreviations and terminology. For example, the same surname appearing on several certificates should not inadvertently be spelt differently because the translator has no reference to follow.

Tell us if the document contains tables, handwritten additions or poor-quality images. A readable file reduces the need for clarification, but you should not edit images in a way that changes their contents. Do not post original documents until their necessity and the intended recipient have been agreed.

From Agreement to Delivery

After reviewing the documents, we confirm availability, the price, the deadline and the required formalities. The scope of the order is agreed before work begins. Changes to the source text or additional pages supplied later may require a revised timescale and scope.

The completed translation is delivered in the agreed format. Before submission, check personal details and that the file is complete. Any corrections are considered against the order documents. Delivery, additional copies, certification and work by partner language agencies, including those in Ukraine and Poland, must be discussed separately; a partnership does not mean that documents can be delivered to any address.