So you need a document translated and you’re wondering… how long is this actually gonna take?

Look, I get it. You’ve got deadlines. Maybe it’s a contract that needs signing, or immigration papers, or something for your business. Whatever it is, you need to know when you’ll have it back.

Here’s the thing – there’s no magic number I can give you. But let me break down what actually affects the timeline.

## **The Short Answer**

Most professional translation services (like the NAATI-certified folks here in Brisbane) can handle:
– **1-2 pages**: Usually 1-2 business days
– **5-10 pages**: About 3-5 business days
– **Bigger documents**: We’re talking weeks, not days

But wait… there’s more to it than just counting pages.

## **What Actually Makes Translation Take Time**

**1. It’s Not Just About Word Count**

A legal contract with all that dense legal language? That’s gonna take way longer than translating a simple letter. Technical manuals, medical reports, financial documents – they all need extra care. The translator needs to get every term exactly right.

**2. The Language Combo Matters**

Translating from English to Spanish? Pretty straightforward, lots of translators available. But Arabic to English? Or something less common? That might take a bit longer to find the right specialist. Especially if you need someone who really understands the cultural nuances (which, trust me, you do).

**3. How Messy Is Your Document?**

Got a clean Word doc? Great.

But if you’re handing over a blurry scan of a handwritten document from 1982… yeah, that’s gonna add time. The translator might need to squint at every word, maybe even call you to clarify things.

## **Rush Jobs – Yes, They’re Possible**

Need it yesterday? Most translation services offer rush options. But here’s the reality:
– It’ll cost more (sometimes double)
– You might sacrifice a tiny bit of quality
– Not every translator can drop everything for your project

Honest advice? If you can avoid the rush, do it. Good translation is like good coffee – it’s better when it’s not rushed.

## **The Certification Factor**

If you need a certified translation (for immigration, courts, official stuff), add extra time. The translator needs to:
– Complete the translation
– Review it carefully
– Add their official stamp and signature
– Sometimes get it notarized

This usually adds 1-2 days to the timeline.

## **Real Talk – How to Speed Things Up**

**Give them everything upfront:**
– Clean, readable documents
– Context (what’s this for?)
– Any reference materials
– Your deadline (be realistic!)

**Pick your translator wisely:**
Going with certified professionals (like NAATI-certified translators) might seem slower initially, but they get it right the first time. No back-and-forth, no confusion, no redoing the whole thing.

**Plan ahead:**
I know, I know. Easier said than done. But if you know you’ll need that Arabic contract translated next month, don’t wait until the day before to start looking for a translator.

## **The Bottom Line**

A good translator can usually give you a timeline after looking at your document. They’ll consider:
– How many words
– How complex it is
– What language pair
– Whether it needs certification
– Their current workload

Don’t be shy about asking for a time estimate. Any professional service should be able to tell you “this’ll take about X days” after seeing what you need.

And remember – translation isn’t just swapping words from one language to another. It’s about getting your message across accurately, culturally appropriately, and professionally. That takes time, but it’s worth it when you get it right.

Need something translated? Get in touch with your local certified translators. They’ll give you a realistic timeline – and stick to it.