Notarized translation costs in Israel – Notary Public Translator
What can be done to reduce the costs of notarial translation in Israel?
A notarized translation certificate and a confirmation of a translator’s declaration – what is the difference? A notarized translation has the notary public certify that the document has been translated correctly and accurately. Notary public license in Israel is granted only to lawyers with 10 years of experience, based on personal integrity and professional reputation. Many authorities and officials around the world recognize translated documents as valid only if approved by a notary public. Confirmation of a translator’s declaration merely confirms that a translator has stated, before a notary public, that the translation is accurate. The notary himself does not make any claims about the accuracy of the translation.
A notary translation certificate is often necessary for documents submitted to the Israel Ministry of the Interior. The Israeli legal system and many other authorities also require a notarized translation to accept a document issued abroad. A notarized translation is also required for most Israeli documents issued in Hebrew, when presented abroad. The cost of a notarized translation is usually higher than the cost of a regular translation.
Why are notarial translation prices so high?
The price of a notary public translation certificate in Israel is fixed by law. It is important to clarify that no notary is authorized to determine the cost of the translation. The Notaries Law, 1976, provides that: “The Minister of Justice may prescribe in regulations – (1) the rate of remuneration that a notary will receive for his services under this Law”. Every year, the Ministry of Justice publishes a “Notaries Notice (Service Fees)”. Section 3 of the notice determines the cost of notarized translation in Israel, taking into account the number of words in the document.
What are the rates of notarized translation in Israel?
As noted, the price of a notary translation certificate changes every year, taking into account the cost of living index, and similar relevant variables. As of 2024, the cost of notarized translation in Israel (before the addition of VAT) is:
- Up to the first hundred words translated – 236 NIS
- For every hundred additional words or a part of them, up to a thousand words – 186 NIS
- For every hundred additional words or part of them, over the first thousand words – 93 NIS
- For each additional certificate of translation in addition to the first – 73 NIS
There are online calculators that automatically check the cost of the translation. When using one, you should make sure that it is accurate and up-to-date with the latest costs. Note that the various preambles and “framing devices” also count as a part of the document. Israeli authorities will generally refuse to accept a partial translation of a document which includes only the “relevant” parts.
“Are apostille costs included in the cost of a notarized translation?”
Although a document issued in one country that is presented in another country often requires both an apostille stamp and a notarized translation certificate, these are separate certificates that signify different things. The apostille stamp confirms that the document was issued by an official authority (and not, for example, written by the applicant himself). The apostille verifies that the original document is genuine, while a notarized translation verifies that the document’s translation is correct and accurate.
Our law office will gladly assist you in receiving an Apostille stamp for various documents. This service cost includes the apostille fee itself, and work hours.
What about “document processing costs”?
As stated, the Israeli notaries cannot change the cost of translation as prescribed in the regulations. But there is always the option to add miscellaneous costs to the bill.
If the document was submitted in person, and the notary’s employees were required to travel, wait in a queue, and present the documents on behalf of the client – then these additional costs tally up work hours. On the other hand, if the document is sent to the post office or even to the customer’s e-mail, it’s worth asking – what is the additional payment for, exactly?
Does the notary have to translate the document himself?
The law does not state the matter definitively. The notary must issue a certificate that the translation document is accurate and correct. The price of a notarized translation set forth in the law is expressly for the certificate, not for the translation work itself. Does this mean that the notary or his office are the ones who translate the document at no additional cost? An Israeli Notary Public has discretion in this matter.
Why did the legislature decide to set translation costs in the law?
The impossibility of negotiating notary translation costs is meant to benefit both the notaries and their clients. The fixed costs uphold notary reputation by making their work valuable without forcing them to engage in haggling. Conversely, the rates keep the translation costs relatively accessible to those without means.
The legislator took into account the fact that the notary is required by law to review the document himself in order to verify it is correct, even if not necessarily translate the document personally. The notary’s time is valuable and should be well compensated. This is particularly the case since a notarized translation does not simply accept a translator’s declaration the translation is accurate.
What can you do to make the translation cheaper?
As stated, it is not possible to lower the price of a notarial translation certificate. But it is possible to check and verify which documents require a notarized translation. If you turn to experts who know the competent authority to which you are submitting the document, they can advise you which documents can be translated without a notary certificate. Conversely, you will also be told which documents require both a notarized translation and an Apostille stamp.
For example: if the court discusses a particular contract and its execution, a translation of the entire contract must be presented, from beginning to end. On the other hand, if all that is required is to determine the fact that there was a contract, and there was an act of sale, lease, or transfer of ownership that was arranged in this contract, it may be possible to translate a summary or an attorney’s statement that the original contract exists. The same applies to matters of inheritance – if there is a discussion of the contents of a will, all of it must be translated. But if all that is required is to show that a person made a will on such a date and for the benefit of a certain heir, there is room to reduce translation costs.
Contact us about legal and notarized translation
Our law firm specializes in legal and notarized translation into several languages - Hebrew, English, Russian, French, Spanish, Arabic, German, Romanian, and more. Make an appointment with our law firm in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv for a notarized translation certificate and help with the presentation of the translated documents.
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