What is certified translation for?
When an official document is translated, it is not enough for the sentences simply to be understandable. The person’s name, the date of the document, the issuing authority, the numbers and the relationship between pages must also be preserved. Certified translation may be requested for documents such as diplomas, passports, civil registry records, powers of attorney, court documents or company documents. Not every application asks for the same set of documents or the same form of approval.
The best starting point is the written requirement of the institution receiving the document. If the application guide only says “translation”, ask which type of approval it means. Going ahead without knowing the translator qualification, signature format and delivery format the institution expects may mean the work has to be prepared again later.
Are certified translation and notarisation the same thing?
| Topic | Certified translation | Notarized translation |
|---|---|---|
| Core process | The document is translated by a sworn translator | The translation goes through the relevant notary’s attestation process |
| When is it chosen? | Depending on the translation format the receiving institution requires | If the institution also requires notarisation |
| Does it replace an apostille? | No | No; it is assessed separately |
In Türkiye, the legal basis for translation at notary offices and for the translator’s oath is Article 96 of the Regulation on the Notaries Law (Noterlik Kanunu Yönetmeliği). The document acceptance requirements of a foreign institution must be checked separately.
Check your document before sending it
- The file should include the front and back of the document, its annexes and any explanatory pages.
- Names, dates, stamps and small-print areas should be legible.
- The source language, target language, and the country and institution where it will be used should be stated.
- The spelling of names in the passport should be compared with the spelling on the application form.
- Share the application deadline and the date you want to receive the translation as two separate dates.
Illegible sections should not be filled in by guesswork. A better scan, or a new copy from the issuing authority, can solve the problem before translation begins. Changing the content of the document is outside the scope of translation.
How does the process work with Universe Tercüme?
You can send the document by email or WhatsApp for an initial review. A quote is prepared after assessing the language pair, purpose, approval requirement and scope of the file. Once you accept the quote, we work on the translation and any required document layout. Whether you need digital or physical delivery should be discussed at the start; the receiving institution decides whether a PDF is sufficient.
If you are having several documents prepared for the same application, it helps to share them together. That way names, institution names and document references can be checked against each other across the file. A new document added later, a change of target language or a request for additional attestation is assessed separately from the scope of the original quote.
What information matters for the fee and delivery plan?
Page count alone is not a sufficient measure. Text density, the language pair, the subject area, tables and the need for physical approval all change the total workload. Ask what the quote covers: the translation fee, any notary procedures and delivery costs. For an urgent application, plan backwards from the final deadline; do not assume that every official stage can be completed in a single day.
Frequently asked questions
Is certified translation required for every official document?
There is no single general rule. Follow the current guidance of the institution you are submitting the document to. It may ask for a plain translation, a certified translation or an additional attestation.
Can I get a quote from a photo of the document?
Clear, complete photos can help with an initial assessment. Whether a higher-resolution scan or the physical original is needed for the translation or approval stage is confirmed separately.
Is a certified translation accepted by every institution abroad?
Acceptance cannot be guaranteed. Some institutions may require a translator authorised in a particular country, a special declaration or a different form of approval. Share the written requirements in advance.
Can I have the same document translated into two languages?
Yes, you can send a request for more than one target language. The scope, delivery plan and any approval needed for each language are quoted separately.
Official sources and application information
Before you start, you can check the relevant institution’s current requirements using these sources.
This guide is for general information. Confirm the document and approval requirements for your application with the relevant institution, and share its current checklist with your translation request.