FAQ
How quickly can I get a translation?
In an emergency, a Finnish-English or English-Finnish translation can be provided on the same day. Generally, however, the delivery time is a little longer.
Do I need to show the original document when ordering or picking up a translation?
No. The translation will be made from the copy you provide, which we will attach to the translation. On rare occasions, the final recipient of the translation may require that the translation be accompanied by a copy of the original document, a copy certified by the issuing authority or notary public, or a copy of the original document certified by two disinterested persons.
If a copy of the original document is attached to the translation, does the copy need to be certified somehow?
Usually not. On rare occasions, the final recipient of the translation may require the copy of the original to be certified as accurate. The copy can be certified by the educational institution (in the case of a school certificate) or by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Specific translation requirements must always be verified with the final recipient.
Can I get an authorised translation from somewhere other than a translation agency?
Yes. Many educational institutions and public authorities, as well as the Matriculation Examination Board, provide certified translated copies of their standard format certificates for a fee. However, delivery could take several weeks.
I don’t have a scanner to convert my document into a file. What should I do?
You can find a scanner/multifunction device, for example, in a library. You can also download a scanner app on your smartphone (Android and iOS: e.g. Tiny Scanner), which will clean up and straighten the photo you take with the app and send the file to us via email. As an exception, you can also use the phone’s camera only.
Place the document to be scanned on a well-lit, white surface and make sure that the text is legible and nothing is missing around the edges.
Can I order a translation of a language pair where the other language is not Finnish or Swedish?
No. An authorised translation is always done from a foreign language into the national language (Finnish or Swedish) or vice versa.
So if you want a document translated into German, for example, do not ask the Finnish authority for an English-language original document, even though this is sometimes possible. In exceptional cases, the authorised translation can be done in two stages. For example, a Russian-English translation is done by first translating the document from Russian into Finnish and then from Finnish into English. In this case, of course, the price is doubled.
I would like to pick up the translation from your office. Can we arrange a pick-up time?
It’s possible, please contact our office.
How much does a translation normally cost?
The price is based on the amount of text and the level of difficulty. We will make you an offer as soon as we receive the document.
Can I get new copies of the translation later?
We only keep translations in our archives for a short time for security reasons (GDPR regulation). Please indicate the need for additional copies when you place your translation order.
Can you also send a paper version of the translation by express mail?
In most cases, a PDF version has been sufficient for our customers in urgent situations. However, you can contact us directly and we’ll see what we can do. Nowadays, even 1st class mail cannot necessarily be trusted. A courier service may be the best option.
Does a stamped translation still need to be legalised with an apostille or a certification by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs?
In principle, an apostille is not required in EU countries (see European Parliament decision). In other countries, an authorised translation usually has to be legalised either by an apostille or by a certification by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, showing that the authorised translator is entitled to make authorised translations (this does not validate the accuracy of the translation). You can obtain an apostille from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. If you want, we can get you one for a separate fee. The apostille is not usually translated, as its structure is the same in all languages.
Does the original document also need to be legalised?
If the final recipient of the translation requires it. The original document is always legalised in the country where it is issued.
For more information,
please contact the Ministry for Foreign Affairs or the embassies.
Can I translate the document myself and submit it to you for authorisation?
No. An authorised translator is legally responsible for the accuracy of the translation. We take no responsibility for the translations of others. However, you can provide additional information, for example on the terms used, for which the translator will be grateful.
Is it possible to get a translation of some sections of the original only?
Yes, it’s possible. An extract translation is often cheaper. However, you should check in advance with the final recipient of the translation which parts of the document need to be translated.
There is an error in the original document. Can an authorised translator correct it in the translation?
No. An authorised translator must strictly follow the original text when translating.
What kind of documents do you have experience with?
See examples of documents we have translated.