Why Certified Translation Matters

All official proceedings in Bulgaria are conducted in Bulgarian. Foreign-language documents submitted to courts, government authorities, notaries, or the Trade Register must be accompanied by a certified translation into Bulgarian. Using an uncertified translation or an unqualified translator can result in your documents being rejected.

What Is a Certified Translation?

A certified (sworn) translation in Bulgaria is a translation performed by a translator registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The translator:

• Holds a certification acknowledging their competence in the relevant language pair
• Signs and stamps each translated page
• Attaches a declaration that the translation is accurate and complete
• Takes legal responsibility for the accuracy of the translation

When Do You Need Certified Translation?

Certified translation is required whenever foreign documents are used in official contexts:

• Company registration — foreign shareholder documents, passports, certificates
• Court proceedings — foreign evidence, judgments, contracts
• Property transactions — foreign powers of attorney, identity documents
• Marriage and civil status — foreign birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees
• Residence applications — foreign criminal record certificates, diplomas, employment contracts
• Tax and accounting — foreign invoices and contracts for audit purposes

The Translation and Legalization Process

Step 1: Obtain the Original Document

Ensure you have the original document or a certified copy issued by the relevant authority in the foreign country.

Step 2: Apostille or Legalization

Before translation, the document must be authenticated:

• Hague Convention countries: obtain an apostille from the competent authority in the country of origin
• Non-Hague countries: complete the full legalization chain (foreign ministry, Bulgarian embassy, Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Step 3: Certified Translation

Engage a registered sworn translator in Bulgaria to translate the document. The translator:

• Translates the full content including stamps, seals, and apostille text
• Adds their certification clause confirming accuracy
• Signs and stamps the translation

Step 4: Notarization of the Translation

For many official purposes, the translation must be notarized by a Bulgarian notary who:

• Certifies the translator’s signature on the translation
• Does not verify the translation itself — only the signature

The notarized translation is then ready for submission to Bulgarian authorities.

Finding a Qualified Translator

When choosing a translator, verify that they are:

• Registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the relevant language
• Experienced in legal translation — legal terminology requires specialized knowledge
• Available within your timeline — complex documents may need several days

Common languages translated for foreign clients in Bulgaria include English, German, Russian, French, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.

Costs and Timeframes

Service	Typical Cost
Certified translation	BGN 12–25 per page
Notarization of translation	BGN 5–10 per signature
Express service (same day)	50–100% surcharge

Standard turnaround is 2–5 business days for most documents. Complex legal documents (contracts, court judgments) may take longer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using uncertified translators — translations by unregistered persons are not accepted by Bulgarian authorities
• Forgetting the apostille — a translated document without proper authentication is incomplete
• Partial translations — all text on the document must be translated, including stamps and handwritten notes
• Outdated documents — some authorities require documents issued within the last 3–6 months
• Mismatched names — ensure name transliteration is consistent across all documents

Translation Services Through Our Office

Attorney Biser Dimov in Troyan coordinates certified translation services for foreign clients, working with registered translators in multiple languages. We ensure your documents are properly translated, notarized, and ready for submission to Bulgarian authorities. Contact us for assistance with your document translation needs.