This content was prepared by Translation All World pricing and operations specialists. Last updated: May 2026.
Translation Prices do not have a single fixed answer. A passport translation and a 50-page legal contract, an English–Turkish project and a Chinese–Turkish project, or standard delivery and same-day delivery can all produce very different totals.
This guide explains the main pricing models used in Turkey in 2025–2026, the indicative ranges in the source material, and the factors that increase or reduce the final cost.
How Are Translation Prices Calculated?
Translation Prices are generally calculated using one of five common methods. The model depends on the language pair, document type, project volume and whether the work is written translation or interpreting.
- Per word: widely used internationally, especially for languages written in the Latin alphabet. The source-word count is normally used.
- Per character: commonly calculated per 1,000 characters excluding spaces in Turkey. The source material treats approximately 1,000 characters without spaces as one standard page.
- Per page: often used for short official documents such as passports and diplomas.
- Hourly: commonly used for interpreting assignments such as meetings, conferences and telephone interpreting.
- Project-based: used for large catalogues, website localization and long-term corporate work where a single overall project price is more practical.
What Are the 2025–2026 Translation Prices in the Source Guide?
The source document gives the following indicative market ranges per 1,000 characters excluding spaces for standard delivery. These figures are presented as planning ranges rather than fixed tariffs, and the final price is determined after the document is reviewed.
| Language Pair | Standard Range (TL / 1,000 characters) | Sworn Translation Surcharge | Urgent Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| English ↔ Turkish | 80–150 | 20–40% | 30–60% |
| German ↔ Turkish | 90–160 | 20–40% | 30–60% |
| Arabic ↔ Turkish | 110–190 | 25–45% | 40–80% |
| French ↔ Turkish | 100–170 | 20–40% | 30–60% |
| Russian ↔ Turkish | 120–200 | 25–45% | 40–80% |
| Italian ↔ Turkish | 100–170 | 20–40% | 30–60% |
| Spanish ↔ Turkish | 100–170 | 20–40% | 30–60% |
| Chinese ↔ Turkish | 150–280 | 30–50% | 50–100% |
| Japanese ↔ Turkish | 160–300 | 30–50% | 50–100% |
| Persian ↔ Turkish | 130–220 | 25–45% | 40–80% |
| Azerbaijani ↔ Turkish | 90–150 | 20–35% | 30–50% |
| Less common languages | 180–400+ | 30–60% | 50–100%+ |
Where an indirect language route is required, such as Japanese → English → Turkish, the price can move toward or above the upper end of the range because the text passes through two translation stages.
How Much More Does Sworn Translation Cost?
Sworn translation is priced above standard translation in the source guide because it involves additional professional responsibility, signature and stamp procedures, and in some cases coordination with a notary.
- Short documents such as passports, bank statements and payslips: generally at the lower end of the surcharge range.
- Diplomas and transcripts: generally a higher surcharge because formatting and official terminology require additional care.
- Legal contracts: a higher surcharge may apply because of length, terminology and legal responsibility.
- Long technical manuals: the surcharge can be significant, although the unit price may decrease as total volume rises.
The source document gives an indicative sworn-translation surcharge of approximately 20–50% above the standard translation price. The exact amount depends on the document and language pair.
How Do Urgent Translation Prices Work?
Urgent translation is work requested outside the standard 2–3 business-day schedule described in the source material. Same-day, 24-hour, night and weekend delivery can require priority staffing and additional project-management capacity.
- 24-hour delivery: approximately 30–50% above the standard price.
- Same-day delivery: approximately 60–100% above the standard price.
- Night or weekend delivery: approximately 80–100% or more above the standard price.
Urgent service can be justified when a consular appointment, court hearing or tender deadline cannot be moved. When the deadline is flexible, standard delivery is usually more economical.
How Much Does Notarization Cost?
Notarization is a separate cost from translation. The source guide states that notaries charge according to the official tariff and gives the following estimated 2025–2026 ranges.
| Notarial Item | Indicative Range in Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple signature certification | 100–250 TL | May vary by notary and transaction |
| Document certification | 150–400 TL | Depends on document type |
| Foreign-language certification | 200–500 TL | Depends on the procedure |
| Additional page | 50–100 TL | Added per extra page in the source guide |
Notarial costs can vary according to page count, document type and the applicable tariff. Translation All World lists known third-party costs separately in the quotation so that translation and external fees can be distinguished.
Is an Apostille Free?
The source guide states that the apostille itself is issued without a separate apostille fee by the competent public authority in Turkey. However, costs can arise before the apostille stage.
- Obtaining a newly issued copy of an old document.
- Pre-approvals from institutions such as a chamber of commerce, university authority or other competent body where required.
- Notarization when the document must be notarized before apostille authentication.
How Can You Reduce Translation Costs?
Translation costs can be optimized without removing essential quality-control steps. The source document recommends planning ahead and grouping related work.
- Choose standard delivery: avoid an urgent surcharge when the deadline allows normal scheduling.
- Send documents together: a larger package can be easier to schedule and may qualify for project-based pricing.
- Use a corporate arrangement: companies with recurring translation needs can agree project or volume pricing.
- Choose digital delivery when acceptable: this can remove courier or postal costs.
- Reuse approved terminology: translation memories and terminology databases can improve consistency and reduce repeated work in similar documents.
Why Can an Extremely Cheap Translation Become Expensive?
A very low quote can appear attractive, but errors can create additional costs. Incorrect terminology, inconsistent names, broken formatting or an unsuitable certification route can require the translation to be prepared again.
The source guide gives examples such as mistranslating legal terminology, changing the spelling of names between documents, or damaging the structure of an academic transcript. In visa, university and legal procedures, rework can cost more than choosing an appropriate professional service from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are translation prices calculated?
Several methods are used, including per word, per 1,000 characters, per page, hourly and project-based pricing. The final method depends on the language pair, document type, project size, subject matter, deadline and certification requirements.
How much more does sworn translation cost?
The source guide gives an indicative surcharge of about 20–50% above standard translation. Short documents are generally closer to the lower end, while longer legal, technical or heavily formatted documents can be closer to the upper end.
How much is the urgent translation surcharge?
The source guide gives approximately 30–50% extra for 24-hour delivery, 60–100% for same-day delivery and 80–100% or more for night or weekend work. The actual surcharge depends on translator availability and project complexity.
How much does notarization cost?
The source guide lists estimated 2025–2026 ranges of 100–250 TL for simple signature certification, 150–400 TL for document certification and 200–500 TL for foreign-language certification, with additional-page charges also possible.
Is an apostille paid?
The source guide states that the apostille itself is issued without a separate apostille fee, although obtaining documents, completing pre-approvals and notarization can create additional costs before the apostille stage.
Why are less common languages more expensive?
The professional translator pool is smaller for some language pairs, and an indirect translation route may occasionally be required. Lower availability and additional project stages can therefore increase the unit cost.
Can translation prices be reduced?
Yes. Standard delivery, bundled documents, recurring corporate work, digital delivery and the reuse of approved terminology can reduce avoidable costs. Quality-control and required certification should not be removed simply to achieve a lower price.
Do all translation agencies charge the same price?
No. Experience, specialization, review processes, language availability, project management and certification coordination can all affect the quotation. Comparing the scope of service is more useful than comparing only the final number.
How is interpreting priced?
The source guide describes interpreting as an hourly service and gives indicative ranges of 1,500–4,000 TL per hour for consecutive interpreting and 3,000–8,000 TL per hour for simultaneous interpreting. Duration, language pair and subject matter affect the total.
Translation All World reviews the file, language pair, intended use, deadline and certification route before preparing a quotation. This makes it possible to separate translation costs from notarization, apostille-related coordination, courier and other external costs.
