Do you need to submit a translated document to an official institution? Have you been asked for a certified or apostilled translation and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry: in this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know, step by step, clearly and directly. We’ll help you understand what kind of translation you need, who can provide it, and how to make sure your document is accepted without issues.

What is an official translation?

An official translation is a translated document that bears the signature, stamp, and certification of a sworn or certified translator. Unlike a standard translation, it has legal status: it is legally equivalent to the original document. This means it can be presented to public or private authorities for legal, administrative, or notarial procedures. It’s a key tool to ensure the international validity of personal, academic, or legal documents.

Who can provide an official translation?

Only officially authorized professionals can carry out this type of translation. In Colombia, sworn translators, usually called official translators, are authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To practice, they must meet specific requirements, and their signature has legal value both nationally and internationally, especially when the document has been properly apostilled or legalized.

What kinds of documents require an official translation?

An official translation is required when the legal value of a translated document must be preserved. It is commonly used for administrative, judicial, academic, or immigration-related procedures. Some of the most frequently translated documents include:

• Birth, marriage, or death certificates
• University diplomas and academic transcripts
• Contracts and powers of attorney
• Court rulings or administrative decisions
• Medical reports
• Identity documents (ID card, passport, driver’s license)
• Employment records and criminal background checks

How much does an official translation cost and how long does it take?

The timeframe and cost of an official translation can vary depending on several factors, such as the word count, language pair, document format, or the urgency of the request. In general, most simple official translations (such as birth or criminal record certificates) are delivered within 2 to 4 business days. If the document is longer or requires additional review, the timeline may be slightly extended.

As for pricing, it is usually calculated per word or per page, with rates typically ranging between 30,000 and 100,000 Colombian pesos per page, depending on the language and complexity.

To receive an exact quote and estimated delivery time, we recommend sending a scanned copy of your document via email. At iLingo Traducciones, we carefully review each case and provide a clear, upfront quote, with no hidden fees.

What is the legal value of an official translation?

translator officially authorized. This certification guarantees that the translated content is faithful and accurate to the original document.

Thanks to its official status, this type of translation is legally equivalent to the original text in the destination country. As a result, it can be submitted to various institutions that require valid and certified documentation, such as:

• Consulates, embassies, and notary offices
• Foreign educational institutions
• Immigration or judicial authorities
• Public or private organizations abroad

This legal recognition makes official translation an essential step for any international procedure requiring translated documents.

Where and how is it certified or apostilled?

Apostille or legalization is the process that gives a document international validity. In Colombia, this procedure is carried out through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería), via its online platform.

Here’s a quick guide:

Term	What is it?	Who performs it?	When is it needed?
Official translation	Translation signed and sealed by a sworn translator	Officially authorized sworn translator	Whenever legal validity of the translation is required
Notarial certification	Legalization of the translator’s signature before a notary	Public notary	Sometimes required by foreign institutions
Hague Apostille	International legalization recognized among signatory countries of the Hague Convention	Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (online)	When the document is going to a country that is part of the Hague Convention

Does an official translation have international validity?

Yes, especially when the original document has been apostilled under the Hague Convention. This greatly simplifies the procedures for the documentation to be accepted abroad. It is crucial that both the translation and the certification process comply with the specific requirements of the receiving country.

How do you know if an official translation is official?

In general, if an institution asks you for a translation that must be legally valid before public authorities, they are most likely referring to an official (or certified) translation.

If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is to check directly with the institution that will receive the document.

Have questions? You can send us a scanned copy of your document, and we’ll advise you, with no obligation, on whether you need an official translation, notarization, or an apostille.

At our official translation agency, we provide accurate, legally valid translations tailored to your needs. We’re here to support you from the first step to final delivery, including guidance on administrative procedures, if needed.