Expert Document Translators to English You Can Rely On

Common items include birth and marriage certificates, criminal record extracts, academic diplomas and transcripts, medical reports, contracts, and company papers. For use abroad—universities, employers, courts, or embassies—request certified or notarised translations. Always confirm the receiving authority’s specific format and language requirements before commissioning.

A certified translation usually involves the translator’s signed declaration attached to the translation. Notarisation in Portugal means a notary or lawyer recognises the translator’s signature. An Apostille authenticates the notary’s signature for international use under the Hague Convention and is issued by the Attorney General’s Office, adding extra time and cost.

Prices are set by individual translators. As a guide, short civil certificates often range from €25–€60, while general texts may run €0.08–€0.18 per word; legal or medical content can be higher. Notarisation and Apostille, if required, are additional. Payment is arranged directly with your chosen translator.

Short certificates often take 1–3 working days, with same‑day or 24‑hour options sometimes available. Larger files or specialist legal/medical texts may need 3–7 days or more. If you require notarisation or an Apostille, allow extra time—typically 1–5 working days depending on availability.

Clear, high‑resolution scans are generally fine for quoting and standard translations. For notarised or certified translations, the notary or the destination institution may require sight of originals or certified copies, and some still insist on physical stamped versions. Always confirm what the receiving authority will accept.

Review recent client feedback, years of experience, and specialisms (legal, medical, academic, technical). Ask for sample work, a glossary approach, or proof of professional memberships such as CIOL, ITI, or APTRAD. Clear communication, consistent formatting, and willingness to clarify terminology are strong indicators of quality.

For documents destined for English‑speaking countries or international organisations, a native English translator—or a rigorous review by a native editor—helps ensure natural, accurate language. Subject‑matter expertise is equally important, especially for legal, financial, or medical texts where precise terminology matters.

Portuguese authorities, including AIMA, generally require documents in Portuguese, often with certified translations. English translations are typically needed for institutions outside Portugal, such as UK universities or foreign embassies. Always check the receiving authority’s exact requirements before ordering the translation.

Share clear scans, word count or page count, purpose of the translation, target country, required certification level (certified, notarised, Apostille), preferred English variant, and deadline. Mention any reference materials, previous translations, or style guides. This helps the translator estimate time, cost, and ensure consistency.

Professional translators follow strict confidentiality practices, often signing NDAs and using secure file‑transfer methods. Reputable providers comply with GDPR and avoid sharing data with third parties. If your files are highly sensitive, request an NDA and ask about encryption or secure portals before sending documents.