We provide professional translation services and assist individuals and businesses in preparing accurately translated documents for submission to government agencies, courts, notaries, and foreign institutions.
Official legal translations recognized in Estonia and abroad
The main focus of our translation agency is certified and sworn translations. Thanks to cooperation with numerous sworn translators, we can prepare documents with official certification in virtually any language. Such translations carry legal force and are recognized both in Estonia and beyond.
📘 Need an officially certified translation?
Are you drafting a power of attorney, ✍️ preparing certificates, or submitting documents to a foreign institution? 🌍 In such cases, a certified translation is required. ⚖️📑
Our specialists will ensure that your document translations are properly formatted and legally valid. These translations are accepted by courts, notaries, government authorities, and educational institutions wherever you need them. 🧑⚖️🏛️
✨ Get a fast and accurate translation that will be accepted by official authorities! 🤝✨
We work quickly and strictly uphold confidentiality, so you can entrust even your most important documents to us. If necessary, we can also assist with apostilles and other formalities, ensuring your documents are fully prepared for use abroad.
Sworn Document Translation
Sworn translation is an official certified translation performed by a sworn translator who is certified by the Ministry of Justice. Such a translator has proven their qualifications through the appropriate exam and has the legal right to certify the accuracy of the translation with their signature and seal.
Since 2020, in Estonia all official translations must be carried out exclusively by sworn translators. Such translations are accepted by all Estonian institutions – from courts to government agencies – and hold the status of an official document.
When is a sworn or certified translation needed?
In any situation where you present a document from one country to the official authorities of another, a certified translation is required. Our agency translates virtually any type of document. Here are just a few examples of documents that we provide with a sworn certification:
- birth, death, marriage, divorce, and name change certificates;
- passports, ID cards, driver’s licenses;
- diplomas, diploma supplements, school leaving certificates, and other certificates;
- notarized documents: contracts, powers of attorney, wills, consents;
- court decisions, certificates of no criminal record, registry excerpts;
- incorporation and corporate documents of companies, licenses and permits.
Each sworn translation is thoroughly reviewed and sealed by the sworn translator, so by law it carries the same legal force as the original. This means your translated document will be legitimate and valid for all institutions.
Notarized translation
Many clients are looking for a translation with notarial certification – a familiar term meaning an officially certified translation. In Estonia, the role of the notary is now replaced by the sworn translator: since 2020, notaries no longer certify translations.
Of course, in rare cases a notarial certification might be required (for example, for very rare languages not covered by local sworn translators). In such situations, we will arrange a translation followed by notarization. However, for most language pairs (Russian–Estonian, English–Estonian, etc.), the sworn translator’s seal is completely sufficient.
Apostille and legalization of translation
For international document use, an apostille is often required – a special stamp or certificate confirming the authenticity of documents for other countries. We provide consultation and help clients with obtaining apostilles and document legalization. If your document will be used outside of Estonia, you must first obtain an apostille in the country where the document was issued, and then have it translated. A translation with an apostille means translating the document along with the text of the apostille, which we also certify as part of the official translation.
When is an apostille needed and how to do the translation properly
A practical example: you obtained a certificate in Estonia and plan to present it in another country. First, a notary in Estonia will affix an apostille to the document (for example, to a birth certificate), after which we will perform a translation of the document together with the apostille into the required language. As a result, you will have a complete package: the original document with an apostille + the certified translation, which is recognized abroad. The reverse situation – you have a foreign document with an apostille intended for Estonia. We will translate it into Estonian with sworn certification so that Estonian institutions accept it without any issues.
Note: due to bilateral agreements, some documents can be recognized without an apostille. However, if you are not familiar with international agreements or have any doubts, we will help determine whether an apostille is needed in your case and complete all the necessary steps.
Other translation services
We offer a full range of translation services – you can turn to us with any language-related tasks, not just official documents:
- General written translation. We translate texts of any topic: from personal letters to technical documentation. If you need a high-quality translation for personal use, business, a website, or similar purposes, our experienced specialists are always ready to help. The style and terminology will be preserved, and the text will be easy to read in the target language.
- Interpreting. We provide consecutive and simultaneous interpreting services at meetings, negotiations, and conferences. For example, if you need an interpreter for a business meeting or in a courtroom, we will ensure you have professional support. Our interpreters will help you overcome the language barrier at events of any level.
- Urgent translation. If the translation was needed “yesterday”, we will try to help you out. Thanks to our well-coordinated team, we complete orders in tight timeframes without sacrificing quality. We will discuss deadlines with you and find a solution so that you receive the translation on time.
- Proofreading and editing. In addition to translations, we can edit and proofread an already prepared text in several languages (Estonian, Russian, English, etc.). Native speakers and experienced editors will eliminate errors and polish the style of your document.
We work with the main language pairs in Estonia: translating from Russian to Estonian, from Estonian to Russian, from English to Estonian and vice versa. Translations into other languages are also available on request – we have an extensive network of specialists. For each project, we select a translator who is highly proficient in the required language and subject matter.
Why choose Eesti Firma?
When choosing a translation agency, it’s important to be confident that your documents will be handled properly. We know that every detail matters to our clients, so at Eesti Firma you get not just a translation, but reliable support at every stage.
- Officially certified translators. The sworn translators who perform translations for our clients hold state certification from the Estonian Ministry of Justice. This guarantees that the certified translation of your documents will be done by an expert and will be accepted by any authority.
- Experience and competence. We have specialized in document translation for many years and know all the nuances of local requirements. Our extensive experience allows us to translate complex legal texts while preserving their legal force and correct terminology.
- Speed and convenience. We understand that documents are often needed on short notice. We always complete orders as promptly as possible. You won’t have to make an extra trip to a notary – this saves you time and effort. You can receive the completed translation at our office, electronically, or by registered mail – whichever is more convenient for you.
- Comprehensive service. We take care of the entire process: from consultation on arranging an official translation or obtaining an apostille, to delivery of the finished translation. If necessary, we will help notarize copies or organize courier delivery of the document abroad.
- Confidentiality and reliability. Your documents and personal information are safe. We maintain strict confidentiality and protect client data. All translations are stored in a secure archive, and if needed, you can always request a copy.
By choosing Eesti Firma, you gain confidence that your documents will be translated officially, correctly, and always on time. We aim to become your reliable partner for all matters related to translations and legal support.
Contact Us
We are always ready to help you with the translation of official documents for courts, notaries, government bodies, and foreign institutions, so that your documents will be accepted without any complications.
Our specialists will ensure the accuracy of the translation, its legal validity, and compliance with the requirements of Estonian and other countries’ legislation, and will also provide recommendations on the proper preparation of documents for use abroad.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure whether you need a sworn translation or a regular one? Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions to help you choose the right type of translation and avoid unnecessary bureaucratic issues.
- What is a sworn translation?
A sworn translation is an official translation carried out by a sworn translator registered with the Estonian Ministry of Justice. The translation is certified with the translator’s signature and seal, giving it full legal validity. Such translations are accepted by all government authorities, courts, and educational institutions in Estonia.
- How does a sworn translation differ from a notarised translation?
Before 2020, notaries could certify official translations, but today only sworn translators are authorised to do so. Notarial certification is required only in exceptional cases when a document is to be used abroad and needs additional legalisation according to the destination country’s requirements.
- When is a sworn translation required?
A sworn translation is mandatory when submitting foreign documents to Estonian authorities — such as the civil registry office, court, police, university, migration service, or notary. Commonly translated documents include birth, marriage and death certificates, diplomas, powers of attorney, court decisions, certificates, and company incorporation documents.
- Which languages are available for sworn translations?
Sworn translators in Estonia work with major languages such as Estonian, English, Russian, Finnish, German, French, Ukrainian, and others. Translations are provided both into Estonian and from Estonian. The list of accredited translators is published on the Ministry of Justice’s website.
- How much does a sworn translation cost?
The price depends on the language, document length, and urgency. In Estonia, there are no fixed tariffs — each sworn translator sets their own rates. The minimum cost for a small document is usually from €30 to €50.
- How long does it take to complete a sworn translation?
The timeframe depends on the document’s size. A standard certificate or extract usually takes 1–3 working days. Larger or more complex documents, or those requiring an apostille, may take longer.
- Do I need to present the original document?
Yes. A sworn translation must be made from the original document or a notarised copy. Simple copies or scans are not accepted, as the translator must verify the authenticity of the source document.
- What is an apostille and when is it needed?
An apostille is a stamp that certifies the authenticity of a signature and seal on an official document. It is required if the document is to be used outside Estonia. Usually, the apostille is added before the translation so that the sworn translator can include it in the translated version.
