Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you use a multilingual service provider
Private Clients
Yes, we translate a wide range of official documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, immigration documents, academic certificates and legal documents. We provide both certified and sworn translations for use in the UK, across Europe and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), depending on the requirements of the receiving authority.
If you need a certified translation for a visa application, university admission, legal proceedings or another official purpose, it is important to allow enough time for the translation to be completed.
- Standard turnaround: Typically 2–5 working days, depending on the language, document type, length and complexity.
- Urgent translations: Same-day or 24-hour services may be available, subject to the language, document requirements and translator availability.
What should you consider before requesting a translation?
- Check whether the receiving organisation requires a certified translation or any additional authentication.
- Confirm whether an electronic copy is acceptable or a printed copy is required.
- Allow additional time if notarisation, an apostille or postal delivery is necessary.
- Provide your deadline when requesting a quotation.
- Turnaround times are estimates and should be confirmed before placing an order.
PAB Languages Centre provides professional certified translations across more than 200 languages, including services for urgent requests.
For a free, no-obligation quotation, share your document and required deadline so our team can confirm the cost and available delivery options
Every certified translation follows a structured process to ensure accuracy, completeness and quality.
First, one of our qualified professional translators carefully reviews the original document, including names, dates, official stamps and terminology. The document is then translated into the required language, preserving the original meaning and formatting wherever possible.
Once completed, the translation is reviewed by a second qualified linguist, who checks its accuracy, grammar, spelling, punctuation and consistency against the original document.
Finally, the translation is accompanied by a signed certification statement confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the original document.
This process applies to all certified translations, whether a single birth certificate or a more complex legal document.
Notarization needs to be done by a notary, who verifies the authenticity of a signature and the identity of the person signing it.
We can certify documents. A certified document is signed by the translator, and it assures the accuracy of the translation. Certified translations are signed and dated by a certified translator. They include their Linguistic Body membership number or linguistic qualifications. Request Free Quote.
In the UK, PAB Languages Centre’s certified translations are accepted for official purposes, including visa applications, university admissions, legal proceedings and administrative procedures.
Some countries have formal systems of sworn or officially authorised translators. These include:
Poland, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, Brazil, Peru, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, where the applicable official translation and authentication arrangements differ.
Certain authorities, including embassies and consulates, may have specific requirements regarding the translations they accept.
Before requesting a translation, check with the relevant authority whether you need a certified translation, a sworn translation or additional authentication, such as notarisation or an apostille.
PAB Languages Centre can arrange both certified and sworn translations, helping you obtain the appropriate service for your requirements.
What else should you consider?
Confirm whether an electronic or printed copy is required.
Allow additional time for notarisation, apostilles or postal delivery if needed.
Provide your deadline when requesting a quotation.
For a free, no-obligation quotation, share your document, the country where it will be submitted and your deadline so our team can confirm the appropriate service, cost and available turnaround time.
Our prices depend on many factors, some of which are:
- Language requirements
- Complexity of the project
- Deadline
Each of our projects is assigned to 2 linguists – a translator and a proofreader. This assures a high-quality of translation.
In most cases, a clear scanned copy or a good-quality photograph of your document is all we need to prepare a quotation and complete your certified translation. You can simply upload your document through our online form or send it by email.
Please make sure the entire document is visible and that all text, stamps, signatures and handwritten notes are clear and readable.
For most UK applications, translations prepared from clear copies are accepted. However, some authorities, particularly overseas, may have specific requirements regarding original documents or printed, certified translations.
Our advice: Before submitting your documents, check whether the receiving organisation requires an original document, an electronic translation or a printed, signed copy.
If you’re unsure, our team will be happy to explain the available options and help you understand what to check with the receiving authority. Tell us about your documents and your deadline, and we’ll send you a free, no-obligation quote with an estimated turnaround time. Request Free Quote.
Yes, we do! Our interpreters will be able to assist you, whether you need help during a medical appointment, school meeting or a court hearing! We also offer remote interpretations (video and telephone).
Commercial Clients
If you require an interpreter, please email us at supplier@pablanguages.co.uk or info@pablanguages.co.uk. Alternatively, give as a call at 01205 310 004. We will be happy to help!
Our confidentiality policy ensures that all files are treated with confidentiality. All our linguists sign a confidentiality agreement, and we are willing to sign an additional confidentiality agreement with the client if needed. We are ISO9001 Quality Management accredited, and we take data protection seriously and ensure that all information is kept confidential. Additionally, our system is designed to restrict access to client files only to authorized personnel.
Yes, we do offer discounts for some organisations. We also offer a Client Referral Programme, rewarded with a £100 voucher.
Discounts apply to multilingual projects, Chambers of Commerce & Business Partners.
For cancelled/rescheduled interpreting jobs, if you cancel your booking with less than 72 hours but more than 48 hours notice, you will have to pay 50% of the quotation fee, which will be charged within seven days.
If you cancel your booking with less than 48 hours notice, you will have to pay the total amount quoted. Please note that cancellation should be made in writing to info@pablanguages.co.uk.
Please note that if you cancel the translation halfway through the process, the full price will still apply.
Our linguists have linguistic degrees or official linguistic memberships such as CIOL, NRPSI, ITI, etc.
We work only with qualified and experienced linguists who are fluent in the target language and have expertise in the relevant field.
If you are a new client, we will require a 50% deposit before we can proceed with your order.
We can help you with standard and certified translation. We translate technical documents, user manuals, medical documentation, court orders and other documents . We can also translate your business’ website! Please get in touch!
We cover over 200 languages!
We have offices across the UK and abroad. We operate nationally and internationally.
If you are unhappy with the service we provided, please contact us directly. Provide details of the complaint. We will be happy to address your concerns.
Yes, we do! PAB Languages take cyber security seriously and holds the UK Government Cyber Essentials certification. This is a comprehensive assessment of the company’s Cyber awareness and security protocols. All staff receive annual training and have to abide by the company’s Cyber Security and GDPR policies.
Yes, absolutely! Please send your NDA to us and we will be happy to sign it and promptly return it to you.
Depending on the type of translation you require, we can either email it to you or send it by post.
Yes, we do.
Yes, we do! We offer transcriptions in over 200 languages.
We can also transcribe in a certain language and translate the transcription into the language you require.
Free translation quote
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