After price, delivery time is the second most common question — especially when the sworn translation is part of a process with a deadline: a university enrolment, an immigration appointment, or the submission of documents for a nationality application. Here is a realistic idea of what to expect.
Typical turnaround by document type
- One-page certificates (birth, marriage, death, criminal record, simple statements): usually 24-48 hours from order confirmation.
- Degrees and academic transcripts: between 2 and 4 working days, depending on the number of subjects and pages.
- Legal and notarial documents (deeds, powers of attorney, contracts): turnaround depends heavily on length and terminological complexity, so it is confirmed after reviewing the document.
- Annual accounts and financial documentation: these usually take somewhat longer due to the volume of figures and technical terminology to verify.
Why does the turnaround vary so much?
A sworn translation is not just translating: it involves reviewing every term with precision, making sure no legal nuance of the original is lost, and applying the format and certification required by law for the document to hold official validity. That is why a one-page document can be ready in a day, while a thirty-page file requires more actual working time.
The turnaround given in the quote is the real delivery time — not an optimistic estimate that ends up slipping.
What if I have an urgent deadline?
It should be flagged when the document is sent. Whenever workload allows, urgent orders can be prioritised, usually with a small surcharge for the priority handling. The earlier it is communicated, the more room there is to adjust the schedule.
Does the turnaround start when I request a quote or when I confirm the order?
From confirmation of the order. The quote and estimated turnaround are usually given the same day the document is sent — the translation time starts counting once the order is approved.
Can I receive the translation earlier if I only need part of the document?
It depends on the case. If the procedure requires the complete sworn translation of the document (the usual requirement), it cannot be split, but every situation can be discussed to find the best way to meet the deadline.
Working to a tight deadline?
Send the document stating the deadline and you'll receive confirmation on whether it can be ready in time.