Cost-Saving Tips, Key Differences, and Smart Strategies
1. Official Translation vs. Certified Translation: What’s the Difference?
Official Translation (Signed / Stamped PDF, non-certified)
An official translation is produced by a professional translator and may include a stamp or signature, but it is not issued by a sworn or court-appointed translator.
Typical uses:
- Job applications abroad
- Business or private purposes
- Submission to companies or institutions that do not require certification
Advantage: significantly cheaper.
Certified Translation (Sworn / Court-Appointed Translator)
A certified translation is prepared by a sworn or officially appointed translator. The translator verifies the accuracy of the translation with their official stamp and signature.
Typical uses:
- Government authorities (immigration office, registry office, universities, courts, job centers, etc.)
- Legal procedures
- Official recognition of documents
Disadvantage: more expensive due to legal requirements and additional formalities.
2. How to Save Money on Translations
1. Only translate what is truly necessary
Many authorities accept a partial translation if only specific information is relevant, such as:
- Name and personal data
- Address
- Diploma or certificate titles
- Grade tables
- Contract details
- Key legal clauses
Example:
Instead of translating a 20-page real-estate contract, many offices only require the translation of:
- Parties’ details
- Property description
- Purchase price
- Signature date
- Main legal statements
This can reduce costs by up to 80%.
2. Ask the institution what they actually need
Many people order a certified translation when an official non-certified translation would be fully acceptable.
Always ask the receiving institution:
“Do you require a certified translation, or is an official signed PDF acceptable?”
You’d be surprised how often the cheaper option is perfectly fine.
3. Choose a digital version instead of printed copies
Most institutions now accept a signed digital PDF.
Choosing a digital version saves:
- Shipping costs
- Extra processing time
- Additional printing or stamping fees
4. For long documents, request a precise quote first
A professional translation office can often offer:
- A page-based price
- A fixed rate for essential clauses
- A more accurate estimate if you provide the PDF
The clearer the document scope, the better the cost accuracy.
3. Conclusion: Official Translations Don’t Need to Be Expensive
With a little preparation and the right information, you can easily save 50% or more while still receiving a translation that meets all requirements.
The key steps:
- Check whether you really need a certified translation or if an official translation is acceptable
- Translate only the essential sections
- Confirm with the authority what they actually require
- Prefer digital versions whenever possible
This way, you get a fast, affordable, and perfectly suitable translation without unnecessary costs.
