How to prepare for an official translation in Slovakia: 6 steps

1. Ask the office exactly what it needs

Ask the foreign police, registry office or labour office which documents they need, whether the translations must be official, and whether the originals must be recent (for example, police certificates often have to be no older than a few months). Ask them to send the list by email.

2. Get the apostille before the translation

If the office requires an apostille or other legalisation, add it to the document in the issuing country before the translation. I then translate the document and the apostille together, so the translation is complete.

3. Translate a notarised copy, not the original

An official translation is permanently bound to the document. For documents you only have once (birth certificate, diploma, driving licence) I recommend a notarised copy, so you keep your original.

4. Send a clear photo for a free quote

The whole page, sharp, without glare, plus the back if it has any text. A photo on WhatsApp to +421 905 991 807 is enough. You get the price and deadline within 24 hours.

5. Check names and dates

If your name is spelled differently in different documents (with or without accents, a middle name, a maiden name), tell me. Names and dates must match exactly, and a mistake in a name can stop the whole procedure.

6. Agree on handover

In person in Trnava (Jazdecká 8686/65, by appointment) or by post from anywhere in Slovakia, including Bratislava. The finished translation is sent back by registered mail.

Summary

Check what the office needs, get the apostille first, translate a notarised copy and send a photo for a quote. Official English ↔ Slovak translations start at €20 per standard page.

Related: Official or ordinary translation? · Birth certificate translation · Residence permit documents · Po slovensky: Ako sa pripraviť na úradný preklad