Your document needs notarial certification? You’re already talking to a notary and it turns out that translating to a foreign language works differently than translating to Ukrainian. And you’re wondering why German authorities said this type of translation won’t work.
What Is Notarial Translation in Ukraine¶
A notarial translation is a translation certified by a notary. But here’s what’s critical to understand: the notary certifies the authenticity of the translator’s signature, not the quality of the translation itself.
The process has two stages: 1. A qualified translator (someone with a university diploma stating the qualification “translator”) completes the translation and signs it. 2. The notary verifies this is indeed that translator, applies a seal and signature, binding the translation to the original document or a certified copy with threads.
Under Ukrainian law (Article 79 of the Law on Notary), a notary certifies the translation only from a qualified translator. If the notary knows both languages, they can verify the translation themselves—but they’re not required to. If they don’t know the languages, they rely on the translator’s signature and qualifications.
Difference: Translation from Ukraine to a Foreign Language¶
When you translate a document in Ukraine into English, German, or Polish, any qualified translator with a diploma can do it. No special registration, oath, or license is needed. Then the notary in your city certifies the translation with their seal.
This translation gains legal force in Ukraine—based on notarial certification. Theoretically, foreign authorities should accept it because it’s an official document certified by an authorized body. In practice, it depends on the country.
Example: Translating a Passport from Ukraine to English¶
- A translator in Kyiv creates an English translation.
- A notary in Ukraine certifies it, applies the seal, and binds it with thread.
- You take the original passport and notarial translation abroad.
In the USA, Canada, and many EU countries, this will be accepted as an official translation for most purposes (school, bank). In Germany, they may refuse it without certification from a German sworn translator.
Difference: Translation from a Foreign Language to Ukrainian¶
When you’ve received a document in a foreign language and need it translated to Ukrainian for submission in Ukraine, the situation is different.
The foreign document must already have an apostille (if it’s from a Hague Convention country) or legalization (if from a non-member country). Without this, a Ukrainian notary won’t certify it—they can’t verify the document.
Then a translator creates the Ukrainian translation, and the notary certifies it—same as before.
The situation gets more complex if you need translation between two foreign languages¶
For example, you have a French document but need it in English (to submit to a British university). Ukrainian law requires the translation to go through Ukrainian first. So the order is:
- French → Ukrainian (translator works, notary certifies).
- Ukrainian → English (translator works, notary certifies).
This costs twice as much and takes twice as long. But that’s what the law requires.
Requirements for a Translator’s Notarial Certification¶
A translator whose translation will be notarially certified must have:
- A university diploma with the qualification “translator” or “translator-linguist”.
- The diploma (or a copy) must be presented to the notary.
- Proficiency in both languages—the source language and the target language.
The notary checks the diploma, notes the translator’s name, and authenticates their signature.
That’s where quality control stops. The notary doesn’t independently verify every word—they often don’t have the time or expertise. The notary guarantees that the document was translated by a qualified specialist who understands their responsibility.
Why German Authorities Won’t Accept Ukrainian Notarial Translations¶
Germany operates on a different system—it places tremendous emphasis on sworn translators (beeidigter Übersetzer or vereidigter Übersetzer). These are people registered with the courts (Landgericht) who’ve taken an oath before a judge to translate accurately. A German sworn translation isn’t a translation plus a notary’s signature; it’s a single translator with legal status who personally certifies the translation and bears legal responsibility.
A Ukrainian notarial translation—where a notary, not the translator, authenticates the work—is a completely different document to German authorities. They’ll tell you: we need a translation from a beeidigter Übersetzer, not from an ordinary translator notarized by a notary.
That’s why if you’re applying to a German university or registering with a German medical authority, you’ll need a translation from a German sworn translator, not a notarial translation from Ukraine.
Differences for Different Purposes and Countries¶
For the USA and Canada¶
Notarial translations from Ukraine are often accepted for personal documents (passport, birth certificate, diploma). Some institutions may ask for additional US notarization, but the baseline Ukrainian notarial translation is recognized.
For the United Kingdom¶
British authorities often require a certified translation from a translator in the British system (must be a member of a professional body). A Ukrainian notarial translation may be viewed with suspicion because the systems are different.
For EU countries (France, Spain, Italy)¶
Requirements vary by country. France often requires certified translations from the French system. Italy and Spain may accept translations from their own sworn translators but won’t accept a Ukrainian notarial translation.
For Poland¶
Polish authorities typically do not accept Ukrainian notarial translations. You’ll need certification from Polskiego Stowarzyszenia Tłumaczy Przysięgłych (PSTP) or from a sworn translator registered with a Polish court in Warsaw or another city.
Apostille and Notarial Translation Are Not the Same¶
People often confuse apostille with notarial translation. They’re completely different:
Notarial translation certifies that a qualified translator did the work. A notary in your city in Ukraine provides this.
Apostille is an international certificate confirming that a document is authentic and issued by an official authority (ministry, civil registry, etc.). A ministry or other authorized body, not a notary, issues the apostille.
The apostille is attached to the ORIGINAL document, never the translation. If you need a translation with an apostille: 1. First, get an apostille on the original document at the Ministry of Justice, Foreign Ministry, or Education Ministry. 2. Then translate that apostilled document into your target language, with the translation certified by a notary.
In practice, people often bring an already-apostilled document to a notary, who then certifies the translation of the apostilled version.
How Long Does Notarial Translation Take¶
Translation and certification in Ukraine — typically 2-5 working days depending on volume. Most of the time is spent on the actual translation, not the notarial certification itself.
Additional certification abroad — if you need a foreign country’s sworn translator to certify your translation, expect 1-2 weeks depending on queue times and location.
If you need an apostille on your document before translating it, add another 3-5 working days for the apostille (per the Ministry of Justice, in 2026 they reduced the timeframe to 3 days, but practically it’s 1-2 days for simple documents).
Honest Answer: When Is Ukrainian Notarial Translation Actually Accepted¶
To be blunt: Ukrainian notarial translation is genuinely accepted in: - USA, Canada — for most personal documents, especially if supplemented with US notarization. - Some EU countries (Greece, Czech Republic, Slovakia) — will accept notarial translation without extra certification. - Official authorities in the document’s country of origin — if the translation communicates with the authority that issued it, they’ll often accept the original language plus notarial translation.
Less likely to be accepted: - Germany, France, Spain, Italy — usually require sworn translator translations from their own countries. - Poland — almost never accepts Ukrainian notarial translations without additional certification. - Britain — predominantly requires certified translation from a British translator.
Before ordering, always ask the institution where you’ll submit the translation exactly what their certification requirements are. The difference could be 500-1000 UAH and a week of time.
When You Need a Sworn Translator, Not Just Notarial¶
If you’re submitting to a country with a registered sworn translator system (mainly German-speaking countries, France, Spain), that country will require a translation from one of their own sworn translators, not a notarial translation from Ukraine.
This doesn’t mean you don’t need notarial translation. It means it’s insufficient. You’ll need to obtain a translation from a sworn translator registered in that specific country.
Common Mistakes¶
Mistake 1: Order a notarial translation in Ukraine into a foreign language and assume France will accept it without more steps. In reality, you’ll often need certification from a French sworn translator or French notary.
Mistake 2: Have one page notarially certified and the rest translated by an ordinary translator. The notary requires the entire translation to be intact, bound together with thread. Order the full translation from one translator, then have the notary certify all of it.
Mistake 3: Assume apostille and translation are the same thing. They’re not. The apostille goes on the original; the translation is then made of the apostilled original.
Mistake 4: Submit a foreign document to a notary for certification without an apostille. If it’s from a Hague Convention country, the notary will ask for an apostille. If there’s no apostille, you’ll need legalization through a consulate.
How to Properly Order a Notarial Translation¶
- Check the requirements of the institution in your destination country. Write to them (embassy, university, bank) and ask: what translation do you need? A notarial translation from the country of origin or a sworn translator’s translation from your country?
- If you need an apostille — get it first on the original document.
- Order the translation in Ukraine from a qualified translator. Specify the target language and how many copies you need.
- Have it certified by a notary in your city, along with the original or a certified copy.
- If the foreign country requires their own certification — submit the translation to a sworn translator there. This is done separately.
FAQ¶
Does the apostille go on the original or the translation?¶
The apostille goes only on the original document, never on the translation. If a document needs an apostille, it’s applied to the original first, then the translation is made from the apostilled original and notarially certified.
How much does notarial translation cost in Ukraine?¶
According to translation bureaus in Kyiv and other cities, notarial translation costs 250-400 UAH per page depending on the language and complexity. Rarer languages (Turkish, Chinese) may cost more.
Can I order a notarial translation online?¶
Some tasks can be done online (consultation, document submission)—but the notarial certification itself requires in-person presence at the notary’s office. You can send documents by mail, but the actual notarial certification at the notary’s office is necessary.
What if the notary refuses to certify my translation?¶
Notaries usually refuse when: the translator lacks proper qualifications, the foreign document has no apostille, or the translation is obviously poor. In that case, you’ll need to: order a new translation from another translator, get an apostille on the original document, or file a complaint (though this rarely helps).
What’s the difference between notarial and sworn translation?¶
Notarial translation: a translator does the work, a notary certifies the signature. Sworn translation: a translator who took an oath before a court personally certifies the translation with their own seal and signature, bearing personal legal responsibility. Sworn translations carry more authority in certain countries (Germany, France).
Are notarial translations valid for 10 years?¶
A notarial translation is valid as long as the original document. If the original retains legal force, so does the translation. An original document with an apostille—the apostille itself is valid indefinitely (though authorities may reserve the right to verify it if in doubt).
Need a professional translation?
AI translation + human review + notary certification
Order translation →