The canton of Zurich is becoming more international with every passing day. Around a quarter of the population is from abroad – and that percentage continues to grow. Moreover, many Zurich residents move to another country for professional or personal reasons. So, what do these two situations have in common? Well, they both require a certified translation of their documents at some point. Such translations must be impeccable and also comply with the corresponding regulations. Do you need a certified translation yourself? Let us answer the most important questions for you:
What is the difference between a certified translation and a standard translation?
A standard translation is used for personal or unofficial purposes and is carried out by a qualified translator. A certified translation, on the other hand, is a legally valid translation of the original document’s entire content and is used for official purposes. It is always completed by qualified and experienced translators as well, but is then also certified by a notary’s office.
Why do I need a certified translation?
This type of translation is often used in international business transactions or required by consulates and government offices. Here is a non-exhaustive list of documents requiring notarization:
- Marriage certificates
- Immigration papers
- Contracts
- Visas
- Diplomas/degrees
- Residence permits
- etc.
How long is a certified translation valid?
Certified translations are usually valid indefinitely. If, however, the original document has an expiry date, the translation is only valid for the same period as the original document.
How much does it cost?
The final cost depends on various factors:
- Language combination: A German-English translation, for example, is more common and therefore cheaper than an Albanian-French translation.
- Specialist area: Translating texts from complex specialist areas takes longer and costs more as a result.
- Apostille: This special type of additional notarization incurs extra fees.
Do I also need an apostille?
Different requirements apply depending on how and where you intend to use the translation, so it is best to check in advance with the corresponding authority to find out what exactly is required of you and what services you need from us. We will then be very happy to assist you. Would you like to order a certified translation? You can receive a non-binding quote immediately by using our price calculator.