Basic Document Package for Any Country
Regardless of the destination country, you'll need translations of the following documents: passport (domestic and international), birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificate, criminal record clearance, diplomas and academic transcripts.
In our practice since 2013, we've processed over 12,000 document packages for emigration. The most common destinations are Germany, Canada, Australia, Israel, and Latin American countries.
Translation Requirements by Country
Germany: all documents require notarized translation. Apostille on birth certificates, marriage certificates, and educational documents is mandatory. Translation must be into German. Cost of notarized translation starts from 1,400 RUB per page.
Canada: accepts translations certified with the translation agency's seal (no notary required). Translation into English or French. Each translation is accompanied by an Affidavit of Translation — the translator's declaration of accuracy.
Australia: translations must be done by an accredited translator (NAATI). We work with NAATI-certified specialists in 12 language pairs.
Israel: for repatriation under the Law of Return, you'll need translations of documents confirming Jewish ancestry, including archival certificates. Apostille on Russian documents is mandatory.
Apostille: When It's Needed and How to Get It
Apostille is an international stamp confirming a document's authenticity. It's required for countries that are parties to the Hague Convention (over 120 states). For other countries (Canada, UAE, China), consular legalization is required.
The procedure: first obtain the apostille on the original document, then translate the entire document including the apostille, then have the translation notarized. Apostille processing time at civil registry offices is 5 business days; at the Ministry of Justice — up to 30 days.
Pricing and Timelines
Translation cost depends on the language pair and type of certification. Approximate prices per page (1,800 characters with spaces of translated text):
- Translation into English / German / French — from 900 RUB
- Notarization — from 1,400 RUB per document
- Apostille — from 2,500 RUB (state fee + services)
- Urgent translation (1 day) — coefficient ×1.5
Standard turnaround for a package of 15 documents is 3–5 business days. For urgent orders — from 1 business day. We operate without VAT (simplified tax system) and provide contracts and closing documents for legal entities.
How to Save Time: Step-by-Step Plan
- Make a document list — cross-reference with embassy or immigration program requirements.
- Check if apostille is needed — is the country party to the Hague Convention? If not, consular legalization is required.
- Send scans to us — we'll provide a preliminary quote within 30 minutes.
- Receive translations — by courier in Moscow or by mail across Russia.
Send document scans via the website form or by email — we'll calculate the exact cost and timeline within 30 minutes.
Common Mistakes When Preparing Documents
In 13 years of work, we've seen dozens of cases where documents were returned for revision. The three most common reasons:
Wrong processing order. The apostille is placed on the original before translation. If done in reverse — you'll have to start over.
Expired certificates. The criminal record clearance is valid for 3–6 months depending on the country. Plan timelines so all documents are current at submission.
Name transliteration. The spelling of your full name must match across all documents. If the passport says "Aleksei" but the birth certificate translation says "Alexey" — that's grounds for rejection. We always cross-reference transliteration with the client's international passport.
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