Apostille Translation Services: If you’re planning to use a U.S.-issued document in another country, you may already know you need an apostille. But what if the destination country doesn’t speak English? In that case, you’ll also need a certified translation before your document can be accepted.

At Rais Apostille, we provide complete Apostille Translation Services—helping clients not only legalize their documents for international use but also translate them accurately and professionally for submission to foreign authorities.

Whether you’re dealing with academic, legal, or personal paperwork, combining apostille with certified translation ensures that your documents are recognized and accepted abroad without delay or rejection.

What Are Apostille Translation Services?

Apostille Translation Services involve the certified translation of documents that need to be apostilled for use in a foreign country. The translation is performed by a qualified linguist and comes with a certification stating that the translation is complete and accurate.

These services are essential when:

• The destination country does not accept English documents

• Foreign authorities require translated documents with the apostille

• The entire document, including notary seals and stamps, needs to be understood by a local official

The translated copy is often submitted alongside the original document for apostille and must meet strict legal and linguistic standards.

Why Translation Is Required Before Apostille

While the apostille certifies the origin of the U.S. document, many countries will only accept the document if it is translated into their official language. This is especially true for:

• Immigration authorities

• Universities and educational institutions

• Foreign courts and legal systems

• Government agencies processing visas or citizenship

A mistranslated document or incorrect format can lead to delays, rejection, or legal issues. That’s why Rais Apostille offers professional, court-recognized translations as part of our apostille services.

Types of Documents That Often Require Translation Before Apostille

Personal Documents

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Divorce decrees

• Death certificates

• Police clearance certificates

• Medical records

Educational Documents

• Diplomas

• Academic transcripts

• Enrollment verification

• Letters of recommendation

Legal and Business Documents

• Power of attorney

• Court orders

• Contracts and agreements

• Articles of incorporation

• Commercial invoices

• Adoption paperwork

Each document type must be translated according to legal and formatting guidelines in the destination country.

Supported Languages for Apostille Translation Services

Rais Apostille works with certified translators fluent in over 100 languages. Most common languages requested include:

• Spanish

• French

• Italian

• German

• Portuguese

• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)

• Russian

• Arabic

• Korean

• Japanese

If your target language is not listed here, contact us—we likely support it through our global network of professional translators.

Certified Translation vs. Regular Translation

Not all translations are legally valid for apostille purposes. Rais Apostille provides certified translations, which include:

• A signed statement from the translator

• Declaration of accuracy

• Translator’s credentials or agency certification

• Seal or notarization, if required

These are the only types of translations accepted by most Secretaries of State or foreign governments when accompanying an apostille request.

Apostille and Translation: Which Comes First?

In most cases:

1. Translate the document into the target language

2. Notarize the translation (if required)

3. Apostille the notarized translation

Alternatively, some documents are apostilled first in their original form, and then translated and certified afterward. The correct order depends on the document type and the destination country’s regulations.

Rais Apostille advises on the correct sequence for each client to ensure compliance and avoid costly errors.

Apostille Translation Services: How It Works with Rais Apostille

Here’s how we make the process simple and stress-free:

Step 1: Send Your Documents

Upload scans or courier your original documents to us. We’ll review them and determine translation needs based on your destination country.

Step 2: Certified Translation

We assign your document to a certified translator experienced in legal and apostille requirements.

Step 3: Notarization (if applicable)

If required, we notarize the translated document to prepare it for apostille.

Step 4: Apostille Processing

We submit the translated and/or notarized document to the appropriate authority—either state or federal—for the apostille.

Step 5: Final Delivery

Your original, translated, and apostilled documents are returned to you by secure courier, ready for international submission.

Why Choose Rais Apostille for Translation and Apostille?

Choosing Rais Apostille for both apostille and translation offers a seamless, one-stop solution.

Experience with Legal Systems Worldwide

We know the formatting, language, and certification requirements of over 120 Hague Convention countries.

Certified Translators Only

We only use certified professionals to ensure acceptance abroad—no machine translations or freelancers.

One-Stop Process

You don’t need to coordinate between different providers. We handle everything in one workflow.

Secure and Confidential

Your documents are treated with the highest level of privacy and care, with tracked deliveries and encrypted records.

Common Scenarios Where Apostille Translation Services Are Needed

Study Abroad Applications

A student submits a degree certificate to a European university. The school requires both an apostille and a certified translation into Spanish.

Immigration and Visa Processes

A couple is moving to Italy. They need birth and marriage certificates translated into Italian and apostilled for visa purposes.

Overseas Business Setup

An entrepreneur is opening a branch in Brazil. Articles of incorporation must be translated into Portuguese and apostilled before company registration.

International Adoption

An American couple is adopting a child from Colombia. The adoption agency requires apostilled and translated financial statements and legal records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do all documents need to be translated before apostille?

Not always. If the destination country accepts documents in English, translation may not be necessary. However, for most non-English-speaking countries, certified translation is required before apostille.

2. What’s the difference between apostille and translation?

A translation makes the document understandable in the destination country’s language. An apostille certifies the authenticity of the document or translation for legal recognition abroad.

3. Do you notarize the translations?

Yes, if the destination country or authority requires the translation to be notarized before apostille, we take care of that.

4. Can you apostille and translate simultaneously?

Yes. We offer bundled services for translation and apostille to streamline the process and reduce turnaround time.

5. How long does the process take?

Translation: 1 to 3 business days
Apostille: 3 to 10 business days (depending on the issuing state or authority)
Expedited services are available for urgent requests.

Start Your Apostille Translation Process Today

Don’t risk rejection of your international paperwork due to improper translation or formatting. Rais Apostille offers professional apostille translation services designed to meet the legal standards of embassies, universities, immigration offices, and foreign courts.

We manage the entire process for you—certified translation, notarization, apostille, and secure delivery—so you can move forward with your international plans confidently and without delays.