What Is a Notarized Translation
A notarized translation is a document translation bound to the original (or a notarized copy) and certified with the notary's signature and seal. The notary certifies the translator's signature, not the translation quality. This is legally regulated by Article 81 of the Fundamentals of Russian Notarial Legislation.
The translator must personally appear before the notary with their passport and linguistics degree. At our agency, all notarized translations are performed by in-house translators with verified qualifications.
What Is a Bureau Stamp Certification
Bureau stamp certification means the translation is signed by the translator and stamped with the organization's seal. The agency takes responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the translation. This type of certification doesn't have the force of a notarial act but is accepted by many organizations.
When a Notarized Translation Is Required
Notarial certification is mandatory in the following cases:
- Submitting documents to civil registry offices (marriage registration with a foreigner, recognition of foreign documents)
- Processing inheritance involving foreign documents
- Court proceedings — courts accept only notarized translations
- Filing with migration authorities (temporary/permanent residence permits, citizenship)
- Registration with tax authorities
- Document legalization for most countries (before or after apostille)
When a Bureau Stamp Is Sufficient
Bureau stamp certification is accepted:
- When submitting to commercial organizations (banks, insurance companies)
- For internal corporate needs (contract translation, technical documentation)
- By certain embassies — Canada, UK, Australia accept translations with an accredited agency's stamp
- For submission to some universities during diploma nostrification
- For tender documentation (in most cases)
Cost and Timeline Comparison
| Parameter | Notarized Translation | Bureau Stamp |
|---|---|---|
| Certification cost | from 1,700 ₽/document | from 500 ₽/document |
| Processing time | 1–2 business days | Same day as translation |
| Legal force | Notarial act (Art. 81) | Legal entity confirmation |
| Accepted by | All government bodies, courts, civil registry | Commercial organizations, some embassies |
How It Works at Our Agency
We work with 5 notaries in Moscow, allowing us to certify translations without queues. Standard turnaround for notarizing a single document is 1 business day. For orders of 10+ documents — 10% discount on certification.
For corporate clients, we offer notary visits to your office. We work under contract and provide closing documents (acceptance certificate + invoice). Simplified tax system — no VAT.
What to Choose: Checklist
- Determine where you're submitting the document: government body or commercial organization?
- Check the requirements of the receiving party — some organizations specify the certification type in their document list.
- When in doubt — choose notarial certification. It's accepted everywhere, and you won't need to redo it.
- For document packages (5+ items) — ask us about volume discounts.
Send your document scans — we'll advise which certification type you need and provide a quote within 30 minutes.
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