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Certified Translation: Process, Costs and Turnaround at a Glance
9/2/2026
What does a certified translation cost, how does it work and how long does it take? The overview for authorities, courts and universities in Switzerland.
Whether for naturalisation, marriage, university studies or a commercial register entry: as soon as a foreign-language document is submitted to a Swiss authority, a certified translation is generally requested. Here you will learn what the process looks like, what costs to expect and how quickly you will receive your translation.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translation provided with a stamp, signature and certification note by a recognised translation agency. In doing so, the agency confirms the accuracy and completeness of the translation. Swiss authorities, courts and universities generally accept such translations as official documents; the final, binding decision always rests with the official receiving authority. For use abroad, a notarised translation or an apostille may additionally be required.
The process in four steps
First, you upload your document via our quote form – a scan or a clearly legible photo is sufficient; we do not need the original. Within 30 minutes during office hours, you will receive a binding quote with a fixed price and delivery date. Once you confirm, a specialist translator translates your document, after which the translation is certified. You receive it by post, by registered mail or as a PDF with a qualified electronic signature (QES).
What does a certified translation cost?
Standard certificates – birth certificates, marriage certificates, driving licences, diplomas, criminal record extracts – are quoted at a flat rate from CHF 80. Longer documents such as judgments, contracts or articles of association are charged at a per-line rate. The price depends on the language combination, the length and the preferred delivery method. It becomes binding with the quote: what is quoted is what is charged.
How long does it take?
We usually deliver standard documents within one to two working days. With express delivery, you receive your certified translation in 12 to 24 hours – on request as a PDF with a qualified electronic signature on the same day, with the paper version to follow by post.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to send in the original? No, a scan or photo is sufficient. Will the translation be recognised everywhere? Within Switzerland, generally yes – the final, binding decision always rests with the official receiving authority; for use abroad, we advise you on whether a notarised translation or an apostille is needed and obtain it for you. Which languages do we translate into? More than 100 languages – from German, French, Italian and English to Arabic, Chinese and Ukrainian.