Service
Certified Translation apostille
Many foreign authorities require documents to be translated into the destination country's official language — and that translation must be certified. A certified translation is one where the translator attests in writing to the accuracy and completeness of the translation. When you are apostilling a document for use abroad, combining the apostille with a certified translation in the same order ensures the final package is accepted by the foreign authority without additional back-and-forth.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation includes the translated text plus a signed statement from the translator (or translation agency) affirming that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge. In the US this is distinct from a notarized translation, where a notary witnesses the translator's signature (but does not vouch for translation quality). Different authorities have different requirements — some accept a certification statement alone; others require a notarized certification; others require a sworn affidavit. We clarify which format your destination requires.
When you need one
Certified translations are typically needed alongside apostilled documents when: submitting personal records (birth, marriage, death certificates) to foreign civil registries or courts; presenting corporate documents (incorporation certificates, annual reports) to foreign regulators or banks; enrolling in a foreign university that requires authenticated and translated academic credentials; applying for a foreign residence or work permit; and supporting immigration applications where the receiving country does not accept documents in English.
How Laurela handles it
We pair certified translation with your apostille order so both are ready together. Our translators work in the major languages required by apostille destinations — including Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Russian, Arabic, and others. The translated document is delivered alongside the apostilled original so the full package is submission-ready. Where required, we also arrange notarization of the certified translation.
Apostille vs. embassy legalization and translation
Whether your document needs an apostille or consular legalization, a certified translation in the destination language is typically required in both cases. Consular legalization sometimes requires the translation to be prepared by an accredited translator recognized by the destination country's consulate — a requirement we confirm and accommodate when applicable.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the translation need to be notarized?
- It depends on the receiving authority. Immigration agencies, courts, and some embassies require notarized translations; universities and many private parties accept certified-only. We confirm the requirement for your specific use case.
- How long does it take?
- Translation time depends on the length and complexity of the document and the target language. Most standard documents are completed within a few business days. Rush options may be available — ask when you place your order.
- Can you translate a document that has already been apostilled?
- Yes. If you already have an apostilled document and now need a certified translation, we can translate the apostilled version and certify the translation separately. Some authorities want both the apostilled original and the certified translation in the same packet.
- What languages do you translate into?
- We cover a wide range of languages including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and others. Contact us if your target language is less common — we will confirm availability before you order.
This page explains a general process and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by issuing authority and destination country; we confirm the specifics for your order. Verified 2026-06-20.