Translation is priced per source word, with rates reflecting language pair, content type, turnaround, and whether certification is needed. This guide explains how pricing works before you request a quote.
Translation agencies price by the source word because the number of words in the original document is objective and consistent regardless of the target language. The per-word rate varies based on the language pair (rare combinations cost more because fewer qualified specialists work them), the subject matter (legal and pharmaceutical content requires credentialed specialists and takes longer), and the turnaround window (expedited delivery carries a premium).
The figures below give a realistic range for each content type, but the only accurate price for your project is a quote based on your actual document. We provide free quotes promptly, with no obligation to proceed. Volume discounts apply from around 5,000 words, and repeat clients benefit from translation memory reuse, which reduces the billable word count on updated documents.
Common European pairs such as English to French, Spanish, or German attract lower rates because there is a large pool of qualified specialists. Less common combinations such as English to Finnish, Korean, or Swahili require rarer expertise and carry higher rates. Pairs involving a less resourced language with limited translation memory data also take longer and cost more.
General business correspondence and marketing copy sit at the lower end of the range. Legal contracts, pharmaceutical documents, and technical manuals require credentialed specialists, longer review cycles, and verified terminology, all of which are reflected in the rate. Patent translation and financial reporting typically sit at the high end due to the specialist knowledge required.
Volume discounts typically begin at around 5,000 words and increase at higher thresholds. When you send us updated versions of previously translated documents, our translation memory identifies segments already translated and charges only for new or changed content. Long-running relationships with consistent documentation reduce cost over time.
Standard turnaround is typically 1,500 to 2,000 words per business day per translator. Expedited delivery that requires overtime, weekend work, or parallel assignment to multiple translators carries a surcharge. If your deadline is tight, mention it when you request a quote and we will confirm whether it is achievable and at what cost.
A standard translation has no certification requirement. A certified translation adds a signed statement of accuracy and translator credentials, which is required for immigration, academic, and government submissions. A sworn or notarized translation adds legal attestation and is required for court documents and official legal proceedings. Each level adds cost and processing time.
Documents that require active professional expertise, such as pharmaceutical clinical trials, financial audits, or patent specifications, are assigned to translators with verifiable credentials in that field. The specialist rate reflects their qualification and the additional review steps applied to technically sensitive content.
The figures below reflect typical market rates for professional human translation into major European languages. Exact rates for your project depend on the variables described above. Use these as a planning guide and request a free quote for an accurate figure.
| Content Type | Indicative Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Business and General | from EUR 0.08 per word | Marketing copy, general correspondence, websites. Most European language pairs. |
| Technical and Engineering | from EUR 0.10 per word | Manuals, specifications, software documentation. Specialist vocabulary required. |
| Legal and Contracts | from EUR 0.12 per word | Agreements, court documents, regulatory filings. Legal background required. |
| Medical and Pharmaceutical | from EUR 0.13 per word | Clinical, regulatory, and patient-facing content. Life sciences specialist required. |
| Certified Translation | from EUR 0.12 per word + certification fee | Includes signed certification for official submission. Immigration, academic, business. |
| Sworn or Notarized Translation | from EUR 0.15 per word + attestation fee | Legal attestation for courts, embassies, and official proceedings. |
| Marketing and Transcreation | project rate (per 1,000 words) | Creative adaptation for advertising, brand content, and campaigns. Bespoke pricing. |
Rates shown are indicative and vary by language pair and project specifics. Request a free quote for an exact figure.
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Google review (SL) , 9 months ago
“I recently used a translation agency in France to translate several administrative and commercial documents into Spanish. The service I received was absolutely exceptional. Not only were the translations accurate and professional, but the team was also very responsive and understanding of my specific needs. BeTranslated truly took the time to understand my context, and the translations perfectly reflected this understanding. I highly recommend their services to anyone needing high-quality translations, and I will not hesitate to use them again in the future.”
Google review (FR) , 2 years ago
“We regularly use BeTranslated's translation services and are very satisfied with their work. The team is professional and highly efficient! We highly recommend them.”
Google review (FR) , 2 years ago
Translation quality and rates are directly linked to who is doing the work. Automated machine translation is cheap but produces output that requires significant human editing and carries real risk for professional or regulated content. Agencies using unvetted freelancers can undercut the market, but with no quality assurance or accountability. Professional agencies like BeTranslated charge for qualified specialist translators, multi-stage quality review, and project management. The cost of a rejected regulatory submission or a legal dispute caused by a mistranslation far exceeds any savings made on a lower initial rate.
Yes. Most professional translation providers apply a minimum charge to cover project management, file handling, and quality review costs on small jobs. Our minimum is typically equivalent to around 250 words of standard translation. Short certified documents such as birth certificates and diplomas are priced as complete jobs rather than per word, because the specialist handling time is the same regardless of length.
Send us the document and tell us the target language, the deadline, and whether certification is required. We will return a fixed price quote promptly, with no obligation. The quote will specify the per-word rate, any certification or rush fees, and the delivery timeline. For recurring work, we also propose a retainer or volume structure that reduces the unit cost.
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