Frequently asked questions
Answers on prices, turnaround, apostille, consular legalization, powers of attorney and acceptance of certified translations in Chile.
How much does a certified translation cost?
The price depends on the language, the length and layout of the document, the deadline and whether an apostille or legalization is needed. Send us a copy and we will send you a fixed, no-obligation quote.
Do Chilean institutions accept your translations?
Most universities, companies, notaries and consulates accept certified translations. Some procedures with Chilean public bodies require the official translation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; we check your case before starting.
What is an apostille?
It is the certificate that authenticates the signature on a public document so it is valid in another country party to the 1961 Hague Convention. Chile has used the system since 2016. A document is apostilled in the country that issued it.
What if the destination country does not accept apostilles?
Then a consular legalization is done: the document goes through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate or embassy of the destination country. We handle the whole process.
Do I need to visit an office?
No. We work remotely with clients in every region of Chile and abroad. Documents are sent by email or courier.
How long does it take?
A translation of a personal document is usually ready within a few business days. Apostilles and legalizations depend on the institutions; we give you an estimate with the quote. Urgent service is available for many procedures.
Which languages do you work with?
Spanish and English with more than twenty languages, including German, French, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Russian and Haitian Creole.
Can you prepare a power of attorney for use in another country?
Yes. We prepare the power in a bilingual format or with a certified translation, and coordinate notarization and the apostille or legalization. The legal content should be defined by your lawyer.
Is a certified translation accepted everywhere?
It depends on who receives it. Most universities, companies and consulates accept it; some Chilean public bodies require the official translation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We check the requirement with you before quoting.
Can I send a scanned document?
Yes. A legible copy is enough to translate. If it also needs an apostille or legalization, we tell you whether the original is required.
Can I apostille a foreign document in Chile?
No. A document is apostilled in the country that issued it. If you hold a foreign document, we can help you obtain the apostille in the issuing country and then translate it for Chile.
What if the country is not party to the Hague Convention?
Consular legalization is used instead: the document goes through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then the consulate of the destination country. We handle that too.
How long does a consular legalization take?
It depends on the consulate: some return documents in days, others in weeks. We give you an estimate with the quote.
Do I have to go to the consulate in person?
In most cases, no. If the consulate requires you to appear in person, we tell you in advance.
Can a copy of a foreign document be certified?
Generally yes: the notary certifies that the copy matches the document presented. If it also needs translating, we coordinate both in one order.
Must the power of attorney be in the destination country's language?
Usually yes, or accompanied by a certified translation. A two-column bilingual format is often the most practical option.
Do you need a power of attorney to request my documents?
Some certificates can be requested without one; others, such as certain academic or court documents, require your authorization. We tell you when we quote.
How far in advance should I book an interpreter?
As early as possible, especially for less common languages or outside Santiago. Remote interpreting usually offers more flexibility.
Request a quote
Prices depend on the language, the type of document, the destination country and the deadline. Tell us what you need and we will reply with a free, no-obligation quote.