Notarized Document Translations: When and Why They Are Needed
If you are submitting documents to Israeli or foreign government agencies — whether it's the Ministry of Interior (MOI), courts, consulates, or other institutions — you may need a notarized translation. What does this signify, which documents require notarized translation, and how to avoid mistakes — we'll explain below.
What is a notarized translation?
In Israel, there are 2 types of notarized translations:

1. A document in which the translator declares that she/he has performed an accurate translation of the original, and notary confirms the authenticity of signature on this declaration. It's important to understand that in this case, notary does not validate the accuracy of translation, but only certifies that the translator has confirmed its accuracy and signed the declaration.
2. More common is the direct certification of translation. This is a translation performed by a translator or the notary herself, but with an important distinction: the notary knows the language of translation and certifies that the translation is correct. In Israel, translation certification includes a declaration and notary signature, 2 types of seals, registry number and an entry in the notary's register.

When is it required?
Notarized translations are required in the following situations:

• Submitting documents to Israel's Ministry of Interior (Misrad ha-Pnim)
• Obtaining citizenship, permanent residency, visa, or status extension
• Submitting to consulates of other countries (for example, for a Schengen visa)
• Court proceedings, Ministry of Interior applications, family law
• When registering marriage, birth or divorce abroad or in Israel

Which documents need to be translated with notarized certification?

• Birth certificates
• Marriage/divorce certificates
• Criminal record
• Court decisions
• Citizenship documents

Important: If a document was issued abroad and apostille is needed, apostille must also be translated. The apostille is issued by the country that issues the document.
How is the process handled with us?

1. You obtain the original document
2. You certify it with an apostille, if required
3. You send us the original document or a scanned copy
4. We make a notarized translation
5. We certify it with an apostille (in case of submitting the document to other countries)

Important: If you first translate the document and obtain an apostille at some later time — you'll need to translate the document again. The apostille must be included in the translation.
If you sent a scanned copy, the notary certification will indicate that the translation was made from a copy of the document. Israel's Ministry of Interior, for example, only accepts direct certification, while for most Schengen country consulates, a translation made from a document copy is acceptable.
Who can make notarized translations?
In Israel, translation doesn't necessarily have to be done by the notary in person. Sometimes:

• Translation is performed by a professional translator
• The notary certifies the translator's declaration

It's important that:

• The translator is not an interested party (not a partner, not a relative)
• There are no corrections or discrepancies with the original in the document

More often, notaries, who know the required language, certify the translation directly.

Common mistakes

• The document is not translated entirely (for example, without the apostille)
• Names in the translation and the passport do not match (different transliteration)
• Missing signature or one of the notary's seals
• Document pages are not bound with red ribbon

Why is our translation reliable?

• We specialize in notarized translations
• We have extensive experience in working with both Israeli and foreign documents, as we have extensive experience organizing weddings abroad
• We know the requirements of Israeli authorities
• We work with several notaries and have direct notarial certification from Russian, Ukrainian, Romanian, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, English and some other languages
• The cost of translating a standard "form" document including notarial certification starts from 235 shekels

Summary
Notarized translation is not just a formality, but an important part of document submission. A translation error can lead to rejection, delay, or resubmission. If you want to avoid delays and be confident that everything is processed correctly — entrust the translations to professionals.