A price list is useful for comparing languages. The agency can confirm the exact amount after reviewing the source, because two ten-page files may require very different amounts of work.
Text volume
Written translation is often measured in standard pages. One such page contains 1,800 characters, including spaces, in the finished text. The number of sheets in a PDF does not show the actual volume: a short certificate can take up a full sheet, and so can a dense table in small print.
Passports, certificates, degrees and other personal documents with a predictable structure are usually priced individually.
Language pair
Price depends on how many qualified specialists work with the language pair. English-to-Russian translation is ordered more often than direct Chinese-to-German translation. Rates and available turnaround times differ accordingly.
Direct translation between two foreign languages can be more accurate and efficient than working through an intermediate Russian version. It requires a translator who works with that exact pair.
Subject matter
Legal, medical and technical material requires specialist terminology and an additional review. For a complex project, the agency may bring in an editor with industry experience or a subject-matter consultant.
That review is needed when the translation is intended for court, manufacturing, pharmaceutical registration or an international transaction.
Source quality and formatting
An editable Word file takes less time to process than an unclear scan with handwritten notes. In addition to translation, the quote may include:
- text recognition;
- recreation of tables and diagrams;
- replacement of text inside images;
- bilingual document formatting;
- preparation of a print-ready file.
If you do not need the formatting to match exactly, tell the manager. A plain-text file may cost less.
Deadline
For an urgent large order, the agency may divide the document among several translators. An editor then has to align the terminology and check the complete text. Review remains part of the job, and the extra coordination is priced separately.
Additional services
Notarisation, copies, apostilles, consular legalisation and delivery are not part of the base written-translation rate. Ask for the whole order to be quoted, including any services beyond the translated text.
Before paying, check that the quote specifies:
- the language pair and volume;
- the finished file format;
- certification and other services;
- the delivery date;
- the total price.
Base rates are listed on the Prices page. Send the file or a legible photograph for an exact quote.