How Much Does a Certified Polish Translation Cost?

If you need to submit a document to a Polish court, government office or bank, and it originates in the UK or another English-speaking country, you will most likely need a certified (sworn) translation. It's a natural question: how much will it cost? There's no single answer, because the price depends on several factors. Below we explain what drives the cost and how to navigate the process.

Legal notice: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The legal position is current as of June 2026. Every case is different — speak to a sworn translator or a lawyer who specialises in foreign documents. TwojaSprawa.com is an information platform, not a translation agency.

What determines the price of a certified translation?

The cost of a certified translation depends mainly on whether the translator is working on official business (instructed by a court, prosecutor's office or other public authority) or on a private commission. In practice:

• Official work — rates for work commissioned by public authorities are set by the Polish Ministry of Justice regulation on remuneration for sworn translators (Rozporządzenie Ministra Sprawiedliwości w sprawie wynagrodzenia za czynności tłumacza przysięgłego). These rates are a fixed amount per page of text (1,125 characters including spaces).
• Private work — the translator sets the price by agreement, usually still per page (1,125 characters), but may factor in additional considerations.

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Length of the text

The single biggest driver of cost is the number of pages to be translated. Sworn translations are billed per page of 1,125 characters including spaces — this is the statutory unit.

• A short document (e.g. a certificate, a few lines): 1–2 pages
• A contract, letter, or official correspondence: 3–5 pages
• Extensive documentation or court bundles: 10+ pages

Each additional page is normally a separate billing unit.

Language pair

Price can vary depending on the language pair. English-to-Polish is one of the more common combinations among sworn translators in Poland, so it tends to sit at "standard" pricing. Less common languages (e.g. Icelandic, Finnish) may cost more, simply because fewer specialists are available.

Turnaround time

If you need the translation urgently (faster than the standard 3–5 working days), the translator may charge an express surcharge. This is typically in the region of 25–50% (indicative only — always check with the individual translator) on top of the standard per-page rate.

• Standard turnaround: 3–5 working days
• Urgent (same-day or next-day): express surcharge applies
• Very urgent (within a few hours): a significant price increase

Document format

The format in which you supply the document can affect how long it takes to translate:

• Text already in PDF (extractable): faster
• A scanned document (image): requires retyping, so slower
• A Word or Google Docs file: standard
• A document with specialist formatting (tables, logos, signatures in fixed positions): may require extra work

Additional services

Beyond the translation itself, a sworn translator may also offer:

• Apostille — certification of the document's authenticity (a separate charge, typically a modest fee per document — this is legalisation, not translation)
• Postal/courier delivery of the document
• Scanning or notarisation of the translation in person (depends on the translator's practice)

These services may carry additional costs.

Indicative price ranges (to be verified)

Based on market practice in Poland, certified translations typically cost:

• Per page (1,125 characters): **
• A 5-page document: **
• Additional pages: usually charged at the standard per-page rate

⚠️ Important: These ranges are indicative only. Never treat a figure like this as a firm quote. Always ask the translator for a quote based on your actual document — they will confirm the exact price once they've seen the text.

How to find a sworn translator and get a price

1. The register of sworn translators — the Polish Ministry of Justice maintains a searchable list, including each translator's contact details, languages and registration number.
2. Contact the translator directly — call or email and describe what you need translated. Mention the page count, language and whether it's urgent.
3. Ask about a discount — if you have several documents to translate, or need a bulk arrangement, some translators will negotiate the price.

Can you save money?

A standard translation instead of a certified one

If the document isn't going straight to a court or government office (e.g. correspondence or internal papers), you might consider a standard (non-certified) translation done by a translation agency or freelancer — significantly cheaper. However, if the document needs legal force, you must use a certified translation.

Multilingual civil status extracts

If you need a Polish version of a UK birth or marriage certificate, it's worth asking for a multilingual extract (under the 1976 CIEC Convention). These can sometimes be accepted without any further translation, saving you the cost entirely.

How to place an order

1. Prepare the document — make sure you have the full text ready for translation (PDF, scan or original).
2. Identify a translator — search the Ministry of Justice register, or ask a contact or lawyer for a recommendation.
3. Request a quote — describe the document, language and deadline. The translator will confirm the price and turnaround.
4. Confirm and pay — once agreed, the translator will tell you how to pay (usually a deposit, or payment before/after delivery).
5. Receive the translation — in person, by post, or by email, depending on what you've arranged.

Frequently asked questions

Is the price of a certified translation set by law?

Rates for work commissioned by public authorities (courts, prosecutors) are set by a Ministry of Justice regulation. For private work, the price is negotiable — the translator can set it freely, so it's worth comparing quotes.

Can I negotiate the price?

Yes, particularly if you have a large volume of text or an ongoing relationship with the translator. Some translators offer discounts for bulk orders — it's always worth asking.

Will a certified translation of a UK document be more expensive than a Polish one?

Having a UK document translated by an English-based sworn/certified translator (where one exists) could cost more, given different local rates. It is usually best to use a translator based in Poland, since they work directly with the Polish authority that will receive the document.

Do I have to pay for an apostille separately?

Yes. An apostille is a separate step — it legalises the document (certifies its authenticity) — and is billed separately from the translation. The apostille fee is typically a modest amount per document, but check with the relevant authority (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Polish documents, the FCDO for UK documents).

Does the price change for urgent turnaround?

Yes — if you need the translation within a few hours rather than the standard 3–5 working days, expect an express surcharge, typically around 25–50% above the base price, though this varies by translator. Always ask in advance.

Related articles

• Sworn translator or standard translator?
• When do you need a certified translation?
• What is an apostille?

Legal basis

• Act of 25 November 2004 on the Profession of Sworn Translator (consolidated text, Journal of Laws)
• Ministry of Justice Regulation on remuneration for sworn translators — current version (rates may change)
• Register of sworn translators — Ministry of Justice