# When does an invoice require legalisation?
Source: https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/document-legalization/when-does-an-invoice-require-legalisation/
Translation and authentication shaped by the recipient
An invoice is a private commercial and accounting document. Its contents are commonly translated, while certification or legalisation is added only when the particular recipient requires proof of a signature, copy or origin.
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An invoice records a particular supply of goods or services and links the issuer, customer, date, number, currency, taxable amount, tax and total. It may be issued on paper or electronically and often belongs to a larger set containing a contract, purchase order, delivery note, customs documents, statement or proof of payment. For translation purposes, the details across all related materials need to remain consistent.
## When is an invoice translation sufficient?
A professional translation is often sufficient when the invoice is used for accounting information, an internal audit, a bank review, an insurance claim, customs documentation or evidence of expenditure for a foreign partner. The recipient decides whether it accepts a standard translation, a translation carrying an authenticated translator signature or another certified form. The fact that an invoice is in a foreign language does not by itself make it a document that requires an apostille.
## What does an invoice translation cover?
The translation includes the parties’ names and addresses, VAT identification numbers, invoice number and date, descriptions of goods or services, quantities, unit prices, discounts, tax rates, subtotals and totals, payment terms and bank details where stated. A credit or debit note retains its precise connection with the original invoice. Tables, currencies, codes and references to attachments are reproduced so that the document’s financial logic remains clear.
## When may certification or legalisation be required?
An invoice is generally a private document, so an apostille does not certify the underlying transaction or the accuracy of its amounts. If a foreign authority requires formal authentication, the possible route may begin with notarisation of a signature on a declaration, certification of a copy or another accompanying instrument. An apostille or consular legalisation may then apply to that notarial act, depending on the country. The exact solution is determined by the issuer, signature type, country of issue, country of use and the recipient’s written requirement.
## How is a Bulgarian invoice used abroad?
For a Bulgarian invoice, the first question is what the foreign recipient expects: translation of the accounting content, a certified translation, an authenticated copy or separate proof of a signature. A related contract, power of attorney, certificate of origin, transport document or declaration may each follow a different route. This avoids applying the same unnecessary formality to the entire set.
## How is a foreign invoice presented in Bulgaria?
For accounting, tax, banking, court or administrative use in Bulgaria, a translation of the invoice and its attachments may be needed. Certification requirements are not identical in every procedure. Relevant factors include the country and method of issue, whether the document is signed, how it can be verified and whether the Bulgarian recipient requires an original, an electronic file or a certified copy.
## How are electronic invoices and attachments checked?
An electronic invoice may contain a qualified electronic signature, time stamp, verification code or structured data that is not fully visible in a printout. Preparation preserves the visible authentication details and the relationship between the main file and its attachments. A scanned image of a paper invoice is not automatically equivalent to the original electronic document.
## How are price and delivery time determined?
Price and delivery time reflect the language pair, the amount of text and tables, the number of invoices and attachments, legibility, file format and the requested certification. Administrative authentication is separated from translation and included only where applicable. La Fit Trans prepares a proposal for the actual set, identifying translation, editorial review, required copies, possible certifications and delivery method.
## Question topics
- [Document Legalization 139](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/document-legalization/)
- [Online translation and legalisation of documents 12](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/online-translation-and-legalisation-of-documents/)
- [Offices for translation and legalization 5](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/offices-for-translation-and-legalization/)
- [Translation and legalization orders 5](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/translation-and-legalization-orders/)
- [Translation of documents 20](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/translation-of-documents/)
- [Specialized translations 2](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/specialized-translations/)
- [Quality process management 5](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/quality-process-management/)
- [Interpreting 10](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/interpreting/)
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## Support for your particular case
The La Fit Trans team relates the general information to the specific document, language and receiving institution. The quotation then covers the necessary translation and certification, with a clear understanding of the agreed result.
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