What types of documents must be translated by a translation agency? Do you want a detailed overview of the most common types?
In this article, we will consider the importance of professional document translation. You will learn the main types of documents that most often require translation. We will explain why their quality is critical.
Identity Documents: Passport, Driver’s License, etc.
Most often, agencies are contacted for document translation of such originals: passports, ID cards, driver’s licenses, etc. Translation is needed in various situations:
- Applying for a visa.
- In migration processes.
- To confirm identity in foreign institutions.
Particular attention should be paid to the accuracy of information and the transfer of personal data. This includes name, date of birth, document number, and its validity period. Often, the final version must be certified or notarized.
Advice: Before placing an order with a translation agency, check with the government agency to determine whether certification or a notary seal is required.
Birth, Marriage, Divorce, or Death Certificates
These are confirmations of the most critical events in a person’s life. Translation may be required in the following circumstances:
- When applying for citizenship.
- Obtaining visas.
- Marriage abroad.
- Adoption.
For you to be able to submit a translation abroad without problems, it must be certified in the established manner. This is another reason to look for a reliable agency, such as Rapid Translate or similar ones, which have experience in helping with translations for immigration services, government agencies, and courts. Experienced specialists know all the intricacies of formatting and will provide the final product in the required appearance.
Diplomas, Certificates, and Academic Transcripts
Educational documents and their translation are required when entering universities abroad or confirming qualifications in another country. These documents determine whether you will be accepted to university or whether your diploma will be accepted by your employer.
It is essential to accurately translate the names of the subjects you have studied, correctly reflect the grading system, format it according to the requirements of a specific country, and translate academic degrees.
Medical Documents
Doctors’ reports and interpreting complex examinations require exceptional experience from a translator. Large agencies provide specialists with niche specializations to translate abbreviations, complex diagnoses, etc, correctly.
When you need such a service:
- When undergoing treatment abroad.
- To apply for a medical visa.
- When applying to insurance companies.
Do not skimp on translation if you are flying abroad for diagnostics or surgical treatment. The result of the doctor’s work and your treatment depend on it. The slightest inaccuracies in the document can lead to serious consequences in treatment.
Financial Document Translation
There are several options and types, and there are a lot of them:
- Bank statements.
- Tax returns.
- Income statements.
- Financial reports.
It is just a small list of examples. Information may need to be translated when obtaining a visa, opening bank accounts, registering real estate, or taking out a loan abroad. A specialist must double-check the language accuracy and the correctness of numbers, currency names, and units of measurement.
Contracts and Legal Documents
Many documents have legal force, including contracts, powers of attorney, court decisions, etc. The translator must be absolutely accurate. The slightest deviation can entail serious legal and financial consequences. Often, such translations require additional notarization.
Letters, recommendations, and motivational essays
Do not think that Google Translate can replace a professional in this matter. You will need a professional to translate the following types of files:
- Recommendation and motivational letters.
- Personal correspondence with partners.
- Texts for applying for a job or studying.
These points require careful work, preserving the author’s style and intonation. Grammar, punctuation, correct transmission of the content, and emotional coloring of the essay are essential.
Technical Documentation
For many industries, there are separate specialists. Many companies (large and small) need translation of such technical brochures and descriptions:
- Equipment manuals.
- Scientific reports.
- Certificates of conformity.
The specialist is required to understand the industry’s specifics. An experienced professional can preserve the structure, design, terminology, and presentation sequence of the original document.
Additional Document Translation
Although not every day, there are many essential situations when you need to find an experienced bureau. Among them, we highlight the following:
- Vaccination certificates.
- Approves of no criminal record.
- Insurance policies.
- Apostilled documents.
You will need professional help to provide all the extracts and certificates in the country of residence. They may be useful in medical institutions, consulates, employers, universities, or other bodies abroad.
How to Translate — from Order to Receipt
You need to know the order of actions to speed up the process. So, take the following steps:
- Provide a copy of the original (scan or photo).
- Select the desired type: certified, notarized, or apostilled.
- A professional, accredited translator does the work, then the text undergoes quality control by an editor.
- The translation is notarized and issued with an official certificate. This point is optional and is done only if necessary.
- The finished file is returned to the client. Large agencies such as Rapid Translate can mail you originals in paper and electronic formats.
Deadlines: 1-3 pages with a small amount of text are usually translated within 24 hours. Large orders are processed within 48-72 hours, depending on the number of texts.
Conclusions
It is worth relying on the help of a professional rather than on programs with machine translation. Machine translation programs often show errors and do not accurately reflect the essence of what is written.
It is especially worth looking for a trust agency when processing personal information, immigration, court cases, and other critical life situations.
