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Frequently asked questions about translation & certification.
Certified translation, price, turnaround, apostille, quality and confidentiality — the questions Swiss clients ask most, answered in one place. A qualified translator certifies each document and it is notarised on request for the receiving authority; FÜD does not itself issue an apostille, which the cantonal Staatskanzlei handles. Certified documents start at a binding CHF 89.
Price, turnaround, process and recognition – explained clearly · with reference to the relevant law and official sources · examples from day-to-day practice · anything specific to your case we clarify personally
DIN EN ISO 17100certified · Reg. 7U517
Qualified translatorsnotarised on request · recognised across Switzerland
ConfidentialNDA on request
Price upfrontno recalculation afterwards
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions.
FÜD editorial team · updated regularly
Here you'll find, in one place, what clients ask us most often – about price and turnaround, about the certified translation, about the apostille, and about quality and confidentiality. For anything specific to your case, we're glad to advise you personally.
Cost & Quote
Cost & Quote
What does a translation cost?
The price depends on volume, language direction, subject area and deadline. As a guide, specialised translations start from CHF 1.09 per standard line, Swiss VAT included; after a brief review we quote a binding fixed price. See our price overview for how the price is worked out.
Do I get a binding fixed price?
Yes. Before the order begins you receive a binding fixed price with no unannounced extra costs afterwards – for ongoing needs also as a framework quote with a fixed point of contact.
Is there a free sample translation?
For larger or ongoing projects we are happy to provide a free sample translation on request, so you can check style and terminology in advance.
Process & Turnaround
Process & Turnaround
How does a request work?
You upload your document or briefly describe the project. We check scope, subject area, deadline and – if needed – the certification required, then quote a fixed price. Once you approve it, a suitable specialist translates the text; you receive the result in advance as a PDF.
How long does a translation take?
Manageable documents are often ready within a few working days; a 24-hour express is available where feasible. For large volumes we coordinate teams and keep terminology consistent with translation memories.
Do you offer express translations?
Yes. For urgent orders there is an express translation; feasibility depends on language, volume and subject area and is confirmed in advance, before the order begins.
How do I upload documents securely?
Through the encrypted form on the relevant service page. A clearly legible scan or PDF is usually enough; we treat sensitive content confidentially and only for the purpose you gave us.
Certified German translation
Certification & Recognition
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is produced by a qualified translator who confirms the accuracy and completeness with a stamp, signature and certification statement. Authorities, registry offices and courts require it for foreign-language documents.
What does “qualified translator” mean in Switzerland?
Switzerland has no nationwide register of officially appointed translators the way some neighbouring countries do. What counts is professional qualification: the translator confirms accuracy and completeness with a certification statement, stamp and signature; on request the signature is notarised. For spoken language in court or before a notary, authorities call in interpreters instead. We provide both services to match the situation.
Is the translation recognised across Switzerland?
Yes. A qualified translator in Switzerland produces certified translations that – notarised on request – are recognised across Switzerland by authorities and courts, regardless of which canton issued the notarisation.
Do you need the original of my document?
A clearly legible scan is usually enough for the translation itself. Whether the certification should refer to the original, a certified copy or a scan depends on the requesting authority – we note the reference accordingly.
Apostille & Use Abroad
Apostille & Use Abroad
What is an apostille and when do I need one?
The apostille confirms the authenticity of a public document for use in states party to the 1961 Hague Convention. Switzerland is not an EU member state, so the exemptions that apply to public documents moving between EU countries do not apply here – an apostille is often needed for documents used abroad. Whether your destination requires one, we clarify in advance.
Does the translation agency issue the apostille?
No. FÜD does not issue apostilles. The apostille is granted by the competent cantonal State Chancellery (Staatskanzlei) of the canton where the document was issued – not by the translation agency. We advise which office is responsible for your document type and in which order apostille and translation should be obtained.
Quality, Confidentiality & Languages
Quality, Confidentiality & Languages
Do you work to a quality standard?
Yes. Fachübersetzungsdienst is certified to DIN EN ISO 17100 (DIN CERTCO, Reg. 7U517). Specialised translations are produced by qualified, native-speaker translators, on request under the four-eyes principle.
How do you ensure confidentiality?
Commissioned specialists are bound to confidentiality, and data is processed only for the intended purpose in line with applicable data protection law. On request we sign a confidentiality agreement (NDA) and handle the order without machine translation or AI.
Which languages and fields do you cover?
over 70 languages and more than 70 fields – from law and technology to medicine and science. Our fields of expertise give a full overview.
Do you also provide interpreters?
Yes. For appointments at court, with a notary, at an authority or at conferences, we arrange suitable interpreters – consecutive or simultaneous, on site or by video.
Answers in depth