Certified English translations and interpreting. Handled with care.

FAQ

What people ask most often

• What is a certified, sworn or official translation?

  ‘Certified translation’, ‘sworn translation’ and ‘official translation’ are commonly used terms for the same service in the Czech Republic. The translation is permanently attached to the source document and includes the translator's clause, signature and round official stamp. An electronic version is supplied as a PDF with a qualified electronic signature and time stamp. Both versions serve as officially certified translations; always check which format the receiving institution requires.

• How much does a certified translation cost and how is the price calculated?

  I quote every assignment individually, free of charge and before you confirm anything. The price depends on the length of the source document in standard pages (1,800 characters including spaces, or roughly 250 words), your deadline and whether you need a hard-copy or electronic translation. A birth certificate, marriage certificate or criminal record extract is usually about one standard page, a diploma with its supplement two to four, and a typical contract five to fifteen.

• In what format will I get the certified translation?

  You can receive your certified translation in four formats, depending on what you need and on what the receiving institution accepts:

  1. 01Hard copy bound with the original document

     You provide the original document in person or by post. I bind it to the translation, add the translator's clause and official round stamp, and return the complete document in person, by post or by courier. For an in-person handover, I prefer Prague 3 near Flora.

  2. 02Hard copy bound with a copy of the document

     You provide a plain or officially certified copy, either physically or by e-mail. I bind the copy to the translation and add the translator's clause and round stamp. Before choosing this option, check whether the receiving institution will accept a translation attached to a copy rather than the original.

  3. 03Scanned copy of the bound translation sent by e-mail

     You send me a scan of the document. I print it, bind it to the translation, add the translator's clause and round stamp, then scan the complete document and send it to you by e-mail. Choose this option only if the receiving institution accepts a scan. The hard-copy version can be collected or posted later.

  4. 04Electronic certified translation (PDF with electronic signature)

     You send me the document by e-mail and receive a certified translation as a PDF with a qualified electronic signature and time stamp. The entire process is electronic. Before choosing this option, check whether the receiving institution accepts an electronic certified translation.

  Which format and type of certification you will need differs from one authority to another and from country to country — I recommend checking directly in advance with the institution you will submit the document to.

• How long does a certified translation take?

  The standard turnaround for documents up to 5 pages is 3 working days. For shorter documents, I can often manage an express turnaround as well. With electronic translations, there is no delay for postal transit or personal collection. I always confirm the completion date in advance.

• Do I need an apostille or superlegalisation?

  That depends on the country and the institution receiving the document. If an apostille or superlegalisation is required, it is normally added to the original document before the translation is prepared, because it also needs to be translated. Tell me where the document will be submitted and I can help you establish the correct order of steps before you pay for anything unnecessarily. The receiving institution should always confirm its exact requirements.

• When do I need a certified court interpreter?

  A certified court interpreter is typically needed when a court, public authority or other official body is dealing with someone who does not understand Czech well enough to follow the proceedings. Common examples include court hearings, police interviews, notarial appointments, registry office appointments and weddings involving a foreign national, and certain residence or citizenship proceedings. The responsible institution decides whether a certified interpreter is required for your particular appointment.

• What is the difference between a certified interpreter and a certified translator?

  A translator works with the written word – translating a document and adding the translator's clause and official stamp. An interpreter conveys the spoken word directly on site, at a hearing or a ceremony. I am appointed for both, so I can interpret in court, at the notary, or at a wedding, and also provide the certified translations of any documents the authority requires.

• Is a certified interpreter mandatory for a wedding with a foreigner and how does it work?

  If either partner does not understand Czech sufficiently, the registry office will normally require a certified court interpreter. I can interpret both the preparatory appointment at the registry office and the ceremony itself. I can also prepare certified translations of documents requested by the registry office, such as a birth certificate or certificate of no impediment to marriage. Confirm the exact requirements with the registry office arranging your ceremony.

• How is certified interpreting priced and what affects the rate?

  Registry office appointments and wedding ceremonies are charged at a fixed rate. Court, notarial and public-authority assignments have a base rate plus a surcharge for each additional hour or part thereof. Corporate and conference interpreting is usually quoted as a half-day or full-day booking. Once I know the purpose, date, location and institution involved, I will send you the exact rate, including any agreed travel costs.

• Do you interpret online, or is in-person attendance required?

  I interpret online for meetings and consultations where remote participation is permitted, including many corporate meetings and preparatory calls. Courts, notaries and registry offices often require the interpreter to attend in person, but the rule depends on the institution and the type of appointment. Tell me what the meeting is and which institution is involved, and I will help you determine whether an online option is possible.