Frequently asked questions

NAATI (the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the body that certifies translators in Australia. A NAATI-certified translation carries the translator's stamp and certification number, which is the standard most Australian agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, expect.

Yes. For most purposes a clear colour scan or photo is enough. We translate everything visible on the document, including stamps, seals and handwritten notes.

Prices depend on the language pair, the length and complexity of the document, and the turnaround you need. Standard documents such as birth certificates are usually quoted at a fixed price per document. Send us your file for a free, no-obligation quote.

DFAT apostilles original Australian public documents, such as certificates issued by a Births, Deaths and Marriages registry or an AFP police check, and documents signed by an Australian notary public. Copies and private documents must first be notarised by an Australian notary public; a Justice of the Peace is not accepted for this.

Yes. China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023, so Australian documents for use in mainland China now need an apostille instead of Chinese consular legalisation.

An apostille is placed on the original Australian public document, not on a translation. Where the destination requires it, we can have the translation notarised and then apostilled, or provide a translation of the apostilled document.

An apostille is a single certificate accepted by all Apostille Convention countries. Legalisation is a multi-step process for non-member countries: DFAT authentication followed by legalisation at the relevant embassy or consulate.

It depends mainly on the embassy or consulate. Some missions process documents within a few days; others take several weeks. We give you a realistic timeline with your quote.

No. You can send us your documents from anywhere in Australia or overseas, and we handle lodgement and collection on your behalf.

A certified true copy is a photocopy that a notary public has compared with the original and certified as a true and complete copy. For overseas use, the notary's signature can then be apostilled.

For signature witnessing, the signatory usually needs to appear before the notary with photo ID, in person or, where permitted, by audio-visual link. We tell you exactly what is needed when we quote.

Yes, this is our most common request. We arrange the notarisation, lodge the document with DFAT for the apostille and return everything to you.

We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice. The wording should come from your lawyer or the receiving institution abroad. We translate it, arrange the notarisation and complete the apostille or legalisation.

A POA signed in Australia for use in mainland China is normally notarised by an Australian notary public and then apostilled by DFAT. A Chinese translation is usually required too. Confirm the exact format with the receiving party in China.

Yes. Most registries only release documents to the person named or an authorised representative. We tell you which consent form or ID is needed for each document.

In many countries, yes, through our international offices and partners. Send us the country and document type and we will confirm feasibility, timing and cost.

For on-site interpreting, ideally one to two weeks ahead, especially for less common languages or conferences. Remote interpreting can often be arranged at short notice.

We work with NAATI-certified interpreters wherever certification exists for the language and setting, and we always match the interpreter's specialisation to your subject.

Courts and tribunals often arrange their own interpreters. For lawyer–client conferences, mediations and private proceedings, we can provide experienced legal interpreters.

Home Affairs states that documents translated in Australia should be translated by a NAATI-accredited or certified translator. Documents translated outside Australia should be translated by a qualified translator. Always check the current requirements for your visa subclass.

Yes. We translate selected chat records, letters and cards used as relationship evidence, in a clear format that case officers can read easily.

Rules vary by state and territory. Most accept an International Driving Permit or an English translation by an approved or NAATI-certified translator. Check the current rules of the road authority in your state.

Yes. Long documents like syllabi are quoted by word count, and we keep course titles consistent with your transcript translation.

Yes. For discovery and due diligence projects we can assemble a team, use terminology management to keep translations consistent, and deliver in stages.