How quickly will I receive my certified translation? Turnaround times and factors

What is the average turnaround time for a certified translation?

A certified translation of a straightforward document often takes as little as two working days, and may be completed even sooner if required.

The exact timeframe varies from one project to another.

Factors that affect the turnaround time include:

the number of words
the type of document
the level of complexity
the language combination
the availability of our certified translator
any additional requirements imposed by the authority requesting your document

A birth certificate or diploma can usually be processed more quickly than an extensive contract or legal file.

How can you get a certified translation faster?
You can speed up the process by providing the following information when submitting your request:

1. Provide a clear scan or photograph

Make sure that:

all pages are visible
the text is legible
stamps and signatures are clearly visible

2. Provide the correct information

Please specify:

the language you would like the document translated into
what you need the translation for
the country for which the translation is intended

3. Plan ahead

Do not wait until just before an official deadline. Some authorities, such as the FPS Foreign Affairs, may require additional time to process the translation after receiving it.

Which documents take more time?

Longer or more complex documents require more preparation and checking.

Examples include:

legal contracts
judgments
notarial documents
extensive files
technical documents

With such documents, the translator must not only translate accurately, but also take into account a considerable amount of specialised terminology.

Why does a certified translation take longer than a regular translation?

A certified translation involves additional steps.

In addition to the translation itself, attention must be paid to:

official wording
checking names, dates and details
accurately reproducing the original document
electronic legalisation by the certified translator
any additional formalities (for example, an apostille from the FPS Foreign Affairs)

The translator must not only understand the text, but also respect the official status of the document.

Is an urgent certified translation possible?
In many cases, an urgent translation is possible, depending on:

the availability of the certified translator
the length of the document
the language combination
the required delivery date

Do you have a tight deadline? Let us know when you submit your request so we can see what we can do to meet your deadline.

How do you request a certified translation?

The process is very straightforward:

You send us a photograph or scan of the documents.
We provide you with a quotation, including the turnaround time, within three working hours.
The certified translator prepares the translation.
The translation is delivered as agreed.

Frequently asked questions about certified translation turnaround times

Can a certified translation be completed on the same day?

Very short documents can sometimes be completed on the same day, depending on the availability of a certified translator for the required language combination and the specific assignment

Is a digital certified translation faster than a paper version?

Since December 2022, the official legalisation has been issued digitally (stamps and paper versions have since been abolished). This means you do not have to wait for a paper version.

Why does the turnaround time vary depending on the language?

Some language combinations have more certified translators available than others. Specialised languages may also require additional planning.

Conclusion

The time required for a certified translation depends mainly on the document, the language combination and the required timeframe.

A reliable translation agency will first assess your specific situation and provide a realistic timeline.

Do you need a certified translation? Verlingua helps individuals and businesses with official translations by experienced language professionals, with a focus on quality and correct handling.

Request a free, no-obligation quote here.

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How quickly will I receive my certified translation? Turnaround times and factors

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