You’re ordering a notarial translation: I tell you, from English to Ukrainian it’s 150 hryvnia per page, plus the apostille cost. From Ukraine to English - 200 hryvnia per page, done in two days. One direction takes 5 days, the other 2. Some places require overseas certification, others are fine with a Ukrainian notary. Let’s break down the difference.
Translation from Ukrainian to a foreign language - the simpler path¶
When you take a Ukrainian document (passport, diploma, birth certificate) and need it in English, German, or Polish - any qualified translator in Ukraine can do it. No registration, no oaths, no extra bureaucracy. You need a diploma, but that’s it.
The 4-step process: 1. You give the original document to a translator. 2. The translator makes the translation into the foreign language and signs it. 3. You take the original + translation to a notary in your city. 4. The notary checks the translator’s diploma, puts a seal, and binds the documents with thread.
Done. You have an official document certified by a Ukrainian state authority - a notary. On paper, it has Ukraine’s coat of arms, a seal, and the notary’s signature.
Cost: €12-18 per page (250-400 UAH) depending on the language (English, German are cheaper; Turkish, Chinese cost more). Add the notary’s time (usually free or a minimal fee). Total: €60-90 (1500-2500 UAH) for a 10-page document.
Timeline: 2-5 business days depending on volume. Most of the time goes to actual translation, not certification.
Translation from a foreign language to Ukrainian - more complex from the start¶
When a foreign document arrives and you need it in Ukrainian for submission to Ukrainian authorities - there’s an extra hurdle you must clear before ordering.
A foreign document requires an additional step before notarial certification.
Step 1: Apostille or legalization of the foreign document¶
If the document is from a country that signed the Hague Convention of 1961 (USA, Canada, most of the EU, UK, Australia) - it needs an apostille. This is an international stamp that confirms the document is genuine.
The apostille comes from the authority that issued the document. If it’s a diploma from a US university, the US Department of Education issues the apostille. If it’s a British birth certificate, British authorities issue it.
If the document is from a non-Convention country (some Middle Eastern or African countries) - it needs legalization instead. This is more complex: the document goes to the issuing authority, then the country’s ministry, then the Ukrainian consulate. It takes 2-4 weeks.
Without an apostille or legalization, a Ukrainian notary won’t touch the translation. They’ll simply say: how can I verify this document is genuine? Without international confirmation, they won’t do it.
Step 2: Translation to Ukrainian¶
Once the apostille is ready, you give the apostilled document to a translator. The translator makes the Ukrainian translation - exactly like before: diploma, signature, quality check.
Step 3: Notary certification¶
The notary certifies the Ukrainian translation the same way as for foreign-language translations. Standard procedure.
Cost: €12-18 per page (250-400 UAH) for translation + €8-12 (200-300 UAH) for the apostille. If legalization is needed, add $50-100 USD in consular fees. Altogether significantly more expensive.
Timeline: 2-5 days for translation + 3-5 days for apostille (queues may extend this) = 1-2 weeks. If legalization, weeks or longer.
Side-by-side comparison table¶
| Factor | Ukrainian → Foreign | Foreign → Ukrainian |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille needed | No | Yes (if from Hague Convention country) |
| Process steps | 3 (translation → notary) | 4-5 (apostille → translation → notary) |
| Cost per page | €12-18 / 250-400 UAH | €12-18 + €8-12 apostille / 250-400 + 200-300 UAH |
| Total for 10 pages | €120-180 / 2500-4500 UAH | €200-300 / 4500-7500 UAH |
| Time needed | 2-5 days | 5-12 days (weeks with legalization) |
| Who certifies | Ukrainian notary | Ukrainian notary |
| Accepted overseas | Depends on country (yes in USA, no in France) | Doesn’t need further certification abroad |
Three real cases - how it actually works¶
Case 1: Diana orders a Ukrainian diploma translated to English for a US master’s program¶
Diana has a Ukrainian diploma and is applying to a US master’s program. She needs a notarial translation to English.
- She asks the US university what form of translation they accept. They say: “Certified translation from a US translator OR notarial translation from an official authority of the country of origin.”
- Diana orders the translation in Ukraine. The translator converts the Ukrainian diploma to English, checks terminology, and signs it.
- A Ukrainian notary certifies the translation.
- Diana sends the US university the original diploma + the notarial English translation.
- University accepts it. Done.
Timeline: 3-5 days. Cost: €75-125 (1500-2500 UAH) for the diploma and attachments.
Case 2: Mark received a UK marriage certificate and needs it translated to Ukrainian for registration in Ukraine¶
Mark got married in the UK and wants to register the marriage in Ukraine. He needs a Ukrainian translation of his UK certificate.
- The certificate is issued by UK authorities, so it needs an apostille. Mark contacts the UK General Register Office, orders an apostille. Takes 1-2 weeks.
- Once the apostille is ready, Mark sends the apostilled certificate (in English) to a Ukrainian translator.
- The translator makes a Ukrainian translation.
- A notary certifies it.
- Mark brings the original UK certificate + apostille + notarial Ukrainian translation to the Ukrainian civil registry office. He registers the marriage.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks for apostille + 2-3 days for translation = 2-3 weeks total. Cost: €12-15 (250-300 UAH) translation + €8-10 (200-250 UAH) apostille = €20-25 (450-550 UAH) per certificate.
Case 3: Anna has a French diploma and needs an English translation for a job in Germany¶
Anna finished a master’s in France and is applying for jobs in Germany. She needs an English translation with proper certification.
Under Ukrainian law, you can’t go directly French → English. The law requires Ukrainian as an intermediary.
- Anna orders a French-to-Ukrainian translation in Ukraine and gets it notarized.
- Then she orders a Ukrainian-to-English translation of the same diploma and gets that notarized too.
- Or: she can order a translation from a sworn translator in France or Germany, bypassing the Ukrainian step.
Timeline: First option - 5-10 days (two separate certifications). Second option - depends on local options. Cost: First option - €25-35 (500-700 UAH) for two translations. Second option - depends on local rates, usually more expensive.
How to choose the right direction for your situation¶
Before ordering: three essential questions¶
1. What country issued the document, and where does it need to go?
If the document is Ukrainian and needs to go abroad - order translation from Ukrainian to that foreign language. Simpler.
If the document is foreign and needs to stay in Ukraine - you now know apostille is coming.
2. What are the specific requirements of the institution receiving the document?
This is critical. Contact them directly: “What type of translation do you accept? Notarial? Sworn? Certified?” The difference in time and cost can be substantial.
3. If you need translation between two foreign languages, plan for double the cost and time.
Not “French directly to English” - Ukrainian law requires French → Ukrainian → English. It’s bureaucracy, but it’s the law.
What can be rushed and what can’t¶
Can’t be rushed: - Apostille. It requires an official seal from the government authority. The Ministry of Justice promises 3 days in 2026, but queues can push it to 5-7 days. Expedited apostilles don’t really exist - that’s a myth. - Notary certification. It takes 30 minutes in the notary’s office, but you might wait days to get an appointment.
Can be rushed: - Translation itself. Pay for expedited service and you might get it in 1-2 days. Costs +50% more. - Delivery. If you need documents overseas - Ukrainian postal services, couriers - depends on distance.
Will your translation need additional certification abroad¶
This is the biggest surprise. You order a notarial English translation in Ukraine, present it to an overseas institution - and they say: “We need a translation from a sworn translator in our country.”
Will accept Ukrainian notarial translation without extras: - USA, Canada - usually yes, might request US notary certification (quick process). - Some EU countries (Greece, Czechia) - often accept without additions.
Won’t accept without additional certification: - France - requires translation from France’s system (sworn or accredited translator). - Germany - requires a sworn translator (beeidigter Übersetzer) registered with German courts. - Poland - almost never accepts Ukrainian translations, requires PSTP-registered translator. - UK - requires certified translation from a UK professional translator.
If this happens, you need to order the translation again, locally, from a sworn translator. More money, more time - around €25-50 (500-1000 UAH) and a week.
How to order correctly - 5-step guide¶
Step 1: Get clear on what you need¶
Write down: - Which country issued the document (Ukraine or foreign)? - What languages are involved (from what, to what)? - Where will the result be submitted (institution/country)? - How many copies do you need?
Step 2: Check with the receiving institution - what form do they accept¶
Contact them directly or check their website: “What translation type do you accept?” Look for keywords like “certified translation,” “notarized translation,” “sworn translation,” or “translation by [specific system].”
Step 3: Check apostille requirements (if document is foreign)¶
If the document is foreign, ask either the institution or the body that issued the document: “Does this need an apostille for use in Ukraine?” If yes, order the apostille before the translation, not after.
Step 4: Choose your translator or translation bureau¶
Tell them: - Source and target languages. - Urgency (standard or expedited). - Document size in pages. - Whether apostille is needed before translation.
Get a quote. Discuss whether notarial certification is the right option for you.
Step 5: After translation - submit to receiving institution¶
Translation is ready, notary certifies it. Now: - If submitting in Ukraine - hand it directly to the institution. - If submitting abroad - ask them first: “Is this translation sufficient or do you need additional certification?” Don’t wait until the last minute.
FAQ¶
What language should a foreign document be translated into in Ukraine?¶
Ukrainian law says it must be translated to Ukrainian. Period. If you then need another language, that’s a separate translation and separate certification.
Can I translate a document myself and then have it notarized?¶
No. Notary certification requires that a qualified translator with a diploma did the translation. If you don’t have that diploma, the notary won’t certify it.
What’s the total cost if the document is foreign and needs an apostille?¶
€12-18 translation per page (250-400 UAH) + €8-12 apostille (200-300 UAH) = €20-30 per page (450-700 UAH). For 5 pages, €100-150 (2250-3500 UAH).
If I’m living abroad, can I order the translation from Ukraine remotely?¶
Yes, the translation work can be done remotely (you send scans). But the notary certification requires either your presence at the notary’s office OR the notary to sign off (documents can be mailed, but the seal must be applied in person by the notary).
Do Ukrainian notarial translations get accepted overseas without extra steps?¶
Depends on the country. USA - usually yes. France, Germany, Poland, UK - no, you’ll need certification from a local sworn translator.
What if the institution won’t accept a notarial translation and insists on a sworn translation?¶
You’ll need to order the translation from a sworn translator registered in that country. It’s done locally. The first translation may feel wasted, though some translators can help adapt an existing translation for a fee. Best to confirm requirements before ordering.
If a foreign document needs an apostille, who orders it?¶
The authority that issued the document. If it’s a US diploma, the US Department of Education. If it’s a British birth certificate, the UK General Register Office. You contact them, usually online, pay a fee (typically $10-30 USD), and get the apostille.
Is it more expensive to order translation locally where I live than in Ukraine?¶
Yes, much more. Local translators (France, Germany, USA) typically charge 1.5-2x what Ukrainian translators charge. If you have the option, order in Ukraine.
How long is a notarial translation valid?¶
As long as the original document is valid. If the original never expires (passport, diploma, birth certificate), the translation never expires either. If the original is valid for one year (income statement), the translation is too.
What if the notary refuses to certify my translation?¶
Common reasons: the translator lacks proper credentials, the foreign document has no apostille, or the translation is obviously poor quality. If the reason isn’t clear, ask the notary in writing. If you think it’s a mistake, contact the local notary chamber or consult a different notary.
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