Document Translation Services

The same document can serve different purposes: information, internal work, an application, an administrative procedure or formal submission. A translation is therefore not treated as an isolated text, but as part of a specific purpose that determines the language, formatting and formal requirements.

What document translation covers

The service begins with an initial review of the material and clarification of the language pair, scope, deadline and intended use. The work is organised around the language and subject matter. It includes translation, formatting, editorial review and preparation of an electronic or printed copy in the agreed format.

For use in Bulgaria or abroad

Documents are translated for universities, employers, banks, courts, municipalities, companies, healthcare organisations and other public bodies. For formal use, the recipient's requirements matter as much as the document itself. The team takes known instructions into account and distinguishes the translation from separate certification, apostille or legalisation procedures.

Not every document translation requires the same form. The right option depends on the intended use, the type of document and any explicit conditions set by the organisation receiving it.

Written translation without additional certification

This format is suitable for information, internal company use, correspondence or another purpose for which the recipient does not require formal certification. The translation still follows the content and structure of the source document, but does not include formal certification.

Official or certified translation

Submission to an authority, university, employer, bank or overseas organisation may require an official or certified translation. Its format is adapted to the specific purpose. A certified translation is not automatically the same as notarisation, an apostille or legalisation.

Apostille and legalisation

An apostille and document legalisation are procedures separate from translation. What is required depends on the type and origin of the document, the country where it will be used and the receiving authority's requirements. Depending on the case, the issuing authority, a notary, a competent ministry, an embassy or a consulate may be involved; not every step applies to every document.

Notarial certification

Notarial certification also has a distinct purpose and does not automatically replace an apostille or legalisation. If the recipient requires an original, a copy, a signature or a particular certification, this is considered during the initial review.

The service covers a broad range of documents, while content and formal requirements vary by category. An accurate translation depends on correctly reading the document's data and elements, using consistent terminology and preserving the relationship between the main document and its attachments.

Personal and civil-status documents

Civil-status records and certificates, official certificates, declarations and identity documents contain names, dates, numbers, stamps and notes that must remain clearly traceable. The pages on birth certificate translation and criminal record certificate translation provide more specific guidance.

Educational documents

Diplomas, supplements, transcripts, enrolment certificates and other certificates often form one set. Consistent treatment of degree names, grades, periods and attachments is essential to understanding the complete record. Diploma translation is covered in greater detail on its dedicated page.

Legal, corporate and financial documents

For contracts, powers of attorney, declarations, notarial deeds, registration documents, bank statements and reports, the parties, amounts, dates, tables, appendices and specialist terminology all matter. The pages on contract translation and corporate document translation provide further context.

Medical and other specialist documents

Discharge summaries, test results, medical certificates, technical materials and other specialist texts require a legible source and consistent terminology. Handwritten notes, abbreviations and unclear values are not completed by guesswork. More information is available under medical document translation.

A full list is available on the document types page.

Initial review and scope

Before the work is commissioned, the document's legibility and completeness, number of pages and attachments, language pair, subject area, formatting and intended use are reviewed. This separates the translation itself from any certification and allows a realistic price and deadline to be set.

Assignment by language and subject

The work is organised according to the language and nature of the content. Logical structure, numbering, tables and important document elements are preserved so that the connection with the source remains clear. Where an official spelling of a name or title is available, it can be used as a reference.

Editorial and final review

The written-translation process includes the initial translation, review by a second person, an additional check by a subject-matter editor where needed, formatting and a final technical check. Terminology, names, dates, figures, tables and consistency across pages are reviewed. The overview of review levels explains this process in more detail.

Checks for unclear text and details

If text is illegible, a page is missing, a stamp is unclear or information conflicts, clarification is sought instead of filling the gap by guesswork. This is especially important for names, dates, reference numbers and specialist terms.

Names and official spelling

The same name can be rendered in different ways in another language. An official spelling shown in a passport, identity card, previous official translation or document from the receiving authority helps maintain consistency across related documents.

The complete document and related attachments

The scope can be assessed reliably when every page, reverse side containing text or a stamp, attachment and annex is visible. Partial material may hide important context or change the assessment of volume, deadline and required procedure.

Terminology and reference material

For corporate and specialist documents, an approved glossary, template or previous translation can support consistency. Reference material is compared with the current document and is not carried over automatically if it contains differences or outdated information.

Clients are not expected to identify the procedure themselves. The most useful context is the document's intended use, the country or organisation receiving it and any written instructions available. This allows the team to separate translation from additional formal procedures.

Price, deadline and what the quote covers

The price of a written translation depends on the language, the document's pricing category, volume, terminology, formatting and deadline. One standard translation page contains 1,800 characters including spaces in the translated text, so the number of physical source pages does not always equal the number of translation pages.

The values in the table cover translation. Certification, notarial certification, apostille, legalisation, state fees, courier charges and other additional steps are priced separately according to the document and procedure.

Feasibility within the requested deadline is assessed against volume, legibility, subject matter, formatting and any additional steps. Exact parameters are confirmed after the complete material has been reviewed, because the same deadline cannot apply to every document.

Detailed pricing information is available on the translation prices page.

Online service, offices and delivery

Online document translation service makes it possible to provide the documents and order details remotely, without first visiting an office. Following review, the services, price and deadline are confirmed, the order is registered and a pro forma invoice is issued. Work begins after confirmation and payment under the terms of the specific order.

An electronic copy is often sufficient for an initial assessment. If certification or legalisation requires an original or certified copy, arrangements for handing it over are made separately. Service is available through La Fit Trans offices, and collection and return by courier can be arranged where appropriate.

The completed translation may be delivered electronically, collected from an office or sent by courier. The appropriate option depends on the service and on whether a certified paper copy is required or the translation must be attached to an original.

Review at several stages

Translation, editing, a specialist check where needed, formatting and final review are separate stages of the process. This allows the language, data and document layout to be considered from more than one perspective. The number and type of checks depend on the document.

Handling sensitive information

Documents are processed in connection with the specific order. For sensitive information, the method of transfer and the designated contacts can be agreed in advance.

Coordination with the recipient's requirements

Based on the information available, the team can indicate the suitable type of translation and any additional steps that may be needed. Final acceptance conditions are set by the receiving authority. The service is therefore aligned with the country, the document and its intended use.