Asides

Need to translate tender documents? Here’s what you should know

CategoriesNewFormat AsidePosted on

An upcoming international tender could prove highly beneficial for your company, but there’s one detail that caught you off guard: one of the requirements is to translate the tender documentation and you don’t know where to start. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, your situation is more common than you think.

To help ensure that your company can submit its proposal by the required deadline, BigTranslation has prepared a comprehensive article explaining what a public tender is, when you need to translate your documents and which types of paperwork should be translated by a human translator.

Let’s define the term: what is a public tender?

To make sure we’re on the same page, let’s clarify the terminology. A tender is a public procurement process whereby a public authority issues a call for bids to provide a specific public service. Any company operating within the relevant sector can apply, provided it meets all the requirements outlined in the tender specifications.

While there is a common belief that public services are awarded to the highest bidder, this is not entirely true. Other factors besides the proposed price are taken into account, such as the quality of the company’s work and its financial standing.

When should a tender be translated?

Now let’s address the main issue: when is it necessary to translate tender documents? This type of procurement process is common in many countries around the world. In your own country, translation isn’t usually necessary for obvious reasons. However, if you’re submitting a bid for a tender abroad, translation becomes essential.

The answer is therefore quite straightforward: tenders need to be translated when the documentation is to be submitted in a country that speaks a different language. It is very important (almost crucial) to work with a translation agency that employs native professionals specialising in the relevant sector who understand the technical terminology and can accurately convey your company’s message.

Taking a gamble with a non-professional or automatic translation could result in you losing the tender, wasting the time and effort spent preparing and submitting the paperwork, and incurring financial costs. Based on our experience, we would advise you not to take the risk.

The paperwork: what documents do I need to translate to participate in the tender?

If your company is interested in a tender in another country, it’s time to start the translation process. Although each tender is different and it is important to find out exactly which documents are required, you will generally be asked for two types of documents: administrative and technical.

Translating legal and administrative documents

These are the documents that prove your company’s legal existence, financial standing, economic solvency and technical capacity, among other things. Examples include articles of incorporation, annual accounts, employment contracts, and professional qualifications.

Important! Many of these documents require a sworn translation, meaning they must be translated, signed and stamped by a sworn translator according to the official process in the country where they will be presented. BigTranslation’s blog features a post with information about sworn translations, which will give you an idea of the types of documents that require this service. Check it out!

Translating technical documents

Your project proposal must include a variety of documents relating to the service you intend to provide. These may include the written proposal itself, summaries of past projects, blueprints, timelines, certificates of satisfactory performance, and much more besides. All documents must be accurately translated into the language or languages specified in the tender.

Although this type of document usually doesn’t require a sworn translation, if you want to maximise your company’s chances of being selected by the relevant public authority, it is essential that it is translated by a professional native speaker who specialises in technical translation.

Do I have to translate the tender documents?

No, it’s not necessary to translate the tender documents, as these documents are merely informative and you or someone you trust can read them in the original language. However, we recommend translating them to ensure that the tender requirements and the documents to be submitted are completely clear.

Get a quote for translating your tender documents in 5 minutes

We know that the process of applying for a tender can be time-consuming. BigTranslation doesn’t want to extend the process any further than necessary. With our instant quote tool, you can find out how much it will cost to translate your tender documentation in under 5 minutes. It’s quick and easy — just what you need right now!

Sworn translation: Everything you need to know

CategoriesNewFormat AsidePosted on

Have you heard of sworn translation but aren’t sure it’s what you need? Don’t worry! We’re going to look at what is a sworn translation, when you will need one and how they differ from other types of translation.

What is a sworn translation?

A sworn translation is an official translation that can only be translated, signed and stamped by a sworn translator who is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. In other words, it’s a legally valid translation that the sworn translator takes responsibility for.

Many of the texts that are translated within the scope of sworn translations are legal, but be careful!  Don’t confuse sworn translation with legal translation – it’s NOT the same thing. How do they differ?

Differences between a sworn translation and legal translation

There are two main differences between these two types of translation. On the one hand, the translator and, on the other, the stamp and signature.

Sworn translations must be carried out by a translator who is qualified for that purpose. However, a legal translation can be carried out by any translator with experience in that field.

Furthermore, the major difference lies in the fact that a sworn translation carries the signature, stamp and certification of the sworn translator, while a legal translation will never have any of these three things.

In what cases might I need a sworn translation?

A sworn translation will be required when you are going to submit that translation to public bodies or courts, for example. In other words, when you need an official translation that proves the translation says exactly the same thing as the original document.

Some common scenarios where a sworn translation is always required include: applying for citizenship, applying for a visa, and validating educational qualifications, among others.

Types of documents that require sworn translations

Every case is different, so we strongly recommend that you always check with the organisation where you will be submitting the document to see if a sworn translation is required. Nevertheless, BigTranslation is here to help you find out if your document requires an official translation.

Some documents that usually require a sworn translation are:

  • Notarial documents and deeds.
  • Special powers of attorney.
  • Certificates of marriage, birth, death, criminal record, etc.
  • University degree certificates and academic records.
  • Employment contracts.
  • Wills.

Legalisation of official documents that require sworn translations

It’s common for the legalisation or endorsement (Apostille) of the original document to be required in addition to the sworn translation. But what is legalisation? What is the Hague Apostille?

Legalisation verifies the authenticity of the signature that appears on a document and the Hague Apostille is a specific type of legalisation that can only be used on documents that come from a country that is one of the 100 signatories to The Hague Convention.

Public documents that often require a Hague Apostille or legalisation include notarial documents; birth, death or marriage certificates; criminal records; affidavits, etc.

Remember that the original documents must be legalised first and then the sworn translation is done afterwards. First legalise, then translate!

What elements must be included in a sworn translation?

1. The sworn translator’s certification: a sentence that states the language of the source text, the language the document has been translated into, and the place and date of the translation.

2. The sworn translator’s stamp: a stamp with the translator’s full name, language or languages they are authorised to translate and their sworn translator number.

3. The sworn translator’s signature: the translator’s signature must appear with the stamp and certification.

4. Copy of the original document: the translation must be accompanied by a copy of the original document, stamped and dated on all its pages.

With BigTranslation, you won’t have to worry about a thing. We only work with duly certified sworn translators, and we ensure that all these elements are included in your sworn translation.

Are you going to get married abroad and need the sworn translation of your birth certificate or a single status certificate? Are you going to study in another country and require the sworn translation of your academic records? Are you applying for a digital nomad visa and need a sworn translation of your employment contract, a letter from the company that authorises remote working or a criminal record certificate? Don’t wait any longer – request your sworn translation from BigTranslation today!

BigTranslation is the only agency that offers sworn translation services with an Instant Quote directly from the website. The process is very simple and the speed and quality of your sworn translation are guaranteed!

Translate your website and get ready to propel yourself towards the international market

CategoriesNewFormat AsidePosted on

Why is translating your website so important and highly recommended?

Translating your website is a good investment. Years ago, companies opted for websites as a cover letter to show the world. Nowadays, having a professional website, among other tools, continues to be essential for small and medium-sized companies that want to expand and see their businesses grow.

Whether you are a company that already works with some markets or you want to open up to this new possibility, or you wish to achieve a good positioning and a wider and more varied audience, translating your website professionally and effectively is crucial to reach these goals.  Who knows, you might connect with a company, institution or customer that takes your business to the next level…

Online internationalisation represents a unique growth opportunity

The growth of the business and opening to new markets are key goals for small companies, and it’s essential to have the tools that drive that desired change. There is no doubt that translating your website will have a significant impact on the internationalisation of your company.

An increasing number of companies are seeing an excellent business opportunity in selling and distributing their products and services online. This new way of approaching the national and international market makes it virtually imperative to translate the company’s distinctive brand into the languages of the countries in which these agreements and services will be offered. When a potential customer searches for a product or service via the internet, they normally do it in their own language. That’s why translating the website into the language or languages of the places in which you wish to position the company and offer its products is key.

Having a high-quality, professional translation for your website is important

We all like to speak in our own language, in the broadest sense of the word. That’s why, when it comes to choosing a translation service, make sure the work will be carried out by native and professional translators. BigTranslation always ensures the quality, professionalism and reach of your website translation.

There are automatic website translation tools, but these options are incredibly inaccurate. The best process is called “localisation”. It doesn’t just encompass the translation of the text contained on the website, it entails an adaptation process, which is much more comprehensive. It involves adjusting parameters such as the register of the text, layout, colours, images or even, the content, depending on the cultural nuances and context of each audience, minimising language barriers as much as possible. Therefore, it isn’t just about replacing some words for others, the whole context that surrounds the translation must be taken into consideration to convey the message in the target language in the best way possible.

Don’t forget the importance of positioning on search engines…

At BigTranslation, we know a lot about this and have an additional SEO translation service so that your SEO strategy can be reflected in the translations, ensuring the best positioning in your target market. This is fundamental for improving the SEO positioning of websites.

The company’s visibility will reach a higher level of quality and potential, thanks to the translation professionals handling the task. Consequently, brand recognition in the target market will increase significantly. This is an investment with a high margin return, in other words, the profit obtained usually far exceeds the effort and capital invested in this activity. Although the initial investment may seem high, it will pay off relatively quickly. Moreover, the customer will feel confident when presented with a text that is both high-quality and efficient. According to market economy experts, a professional translation of a website is one of the most crucial and valued aspects among internet users and customers.

Choose a trusted supplier

You can choose from various suppliers in the translation industry to translate your website. If your website has a large volume of content, it’s highly recommended to collaborate with a translation company capable of managing and handling large-scale translations into multiple language combinations. This sort of company should have a team of professional translators who specialise in your sector.

Here at BigTranslation, we offer our customers a quote tailored to the specific needs of each brand. We offer the option of a quote to translate the website via the company’s URL or using the texts extracted from it, in an editable format, if available.

Moreover, we have an additional SEO translation service, so the customer’s SEO strategy can be preserved in the translation. This helps secure the best positioning in the target market.

It’s time to keep growing professionally and expand your business opportunities. We encourage you to partner with us on this rewarding journey that offers short-term benefits. Here at BigTranslation, we will be delighted to help propel your success.