Frequently asked questions

A certified translation carries the translator's signed statement of accuracy. A notarized translation adds a notary public's acknowledgment of that statement. Some authorities only need certification; others, particularly for apostille, require notarization. Tell us where the document will be submitted and we will recommend the right format.

Yes. We translate from and into Filipino (Tagalog), Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray, Kapampangan, Bikol and other Philippine languages, as well as more than 100 foreign languages.

Standard civil documents such as birth certificates are usually ready within a few working days. Longer or technical documents take more time. Express service is available; the exact timeline is confirmed in your quote.

Prices depend on the language pair, the length and complexity of the document and any extra steps such as notarization or apostille. Send us a scan or photo through the form and we will reply with a free, no-obligation quote.

Countries that are party to the Apostille Convention and have not objected to the Philippines' accession. That includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia and most of Europe. Germany still maintains its objection, so documents for Germany follow a different route. See our country pages or ask us to confirm.

For countries outside the Convention, such as the UAE, Qatar or Kuwait, the document is authenticated by DFA and then legalized by that country's embassy or consulate. We handle both steps. See our Embassy Legalization service.

In most cases yes. We act as your authorized representative with a simple authorization letter and a copy of your ID. Some supporting steps may have their own requirements, which we explain in your quote.

No. The apostille only confirms the signature and seal on the document. If the receiving country needs the content in its language, a certified translation is also required, and we can prepare it.

Countries outside the Apostille Convention, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Taiwan, as well as Germany, which objected to the Philippines' accession. Thailand has joined the Convention with effect from 28 February 2027; until then legalization applies. Requirements change, so we always confirm the current route in your quote.

No. The red ribbon was replaced in 2019. Documents for apostille countries now receive an apostille; documents for other countries receive a DFA Certificate of Authentication before embassy legalization.

Yes. Documents issued in a non-Convention country must be legalized by the Philippine embassy or consulate there. We coordinate the process with our international offices and translate the documents into English if needed.

Yes. Philippine notarial rules require the person signing to appear personally before the notary public and show valid identification. We arrange the appointment so that it takes as little of your time as possible.

Sign it before a local notary and have it apostilled in that country, or sign it at a Philippine embassy or consulate. Our international offices can help with either option.

Yes, once it is certified by the Regional Trial Court and then apostilled or authenticated by the DFA. We handle the whole chain.

No. PSA certificates are public records; an official copy must be requested from the PSA, or a certified copy of the local record from the Local Civil Registrar. We can request either for you.

Yes, as long as the CTC is issued and signed by an authorized official whose signature can be verified by the DFA. We check this before filing.

Usually not. Most offices accept requests through an authorized representative with an authorization letter or SPA and copies of IDs. Some records are restricted to the owner or parties, and we let you know in advance.

Sign the SPA before a notary in your host country and have it apostilled there (if that country is an apostille country), or execute it at the Philippine embassy or consulate. We can draft the SPA in advance and send it to you ready to sign.

An SPA covers specific, listed acts. A General Power of Attorney covers acts of administration in general. For selling property and similar acts of strict ownership, Philippine law requires a special power.

Yes. For use abroad we often prepare a bilingual SPA, or a certified translation attached to the original, depending on what the receiving authority accepts.

Yes. This is one of our most requested services. You sign an authorization letter or SPA, we obtain the document and send it to you by international courier, usually already apostilled or legalized.

An NBI clearance requires the applicant's biometrics or fingerprints, so we cannot apply in your place. We can guide you through the process and handle the apostille and courier once the clearance is issued.

It depends on the issuing office. PSA certificates are usually quick; court and school records can take longer. We give you a realistic estimate in your quote and keep you updated.

In consecutive interpreting the speaker pauses and the interpreter renders each segment afterwards; it suits meetings and interviews. In simultaneous interpreting the interpreter speaks at the same time, usually from a booth with headsets; it suits conferences and larger audiences.

Yes. We provide interpreters in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, Baguio and other cities, and remote interpreting anywhere.

As early as possible, ideally one to two weeks before, especially for rare language pairs or simultaneous events. We do our best to accommodate urgent requests.