Translation timelines are one of the most misunderstood aspects of language services. Clients often have unrealistic expectations - or unnecessarily conservative ones. This guide clarifies what to expect for standard, fast, and express translations, and how to manage your deadlines efficiently.
Standard translation timelines
Standard translation speed for a professional human translator working on a text of average complexity is approximately 1,500 to 2,500 words per day, including self-revision. A sworn translator working on legal or administrative documents typically manages 1,000 to 1,500 words per day due to the higher precision required.
In practical terms, this translates to:
- 1 to 2 pages: delivered within 24 to 48 hours in standard mode
- 3 to 8 pages: 2 to 4 working days
- 8 to 20 pages: 3 to 6 working days
- 20+ pages: one to two weeks, potentially with a team of translators
Fast translation (priority service)
A priority or fast service - typically defined as delivery within 48 hours regardless of document length up to about 5 pages - is available at most professional agencies at a modest surcharge of 20 to 30%. This service suits clients who have a deadline in two or three days and want to ensure their file is processed ahead of standard-queue orders.
Fast service is appropriate for:
- Applications to Belgian municipalities or DVZ/OE with a one-week window
- Employment contracts or HR documents needed before a start date
- Tenders with a submission deadline of three to five working days
TranslateBE
Translation with guaranteed delivery - your deadline, our commitment
TranslateBE delivers standard, priority, and express translations 7 days a week. Fixed prices, no hidden costs.
Express translation (24 hours and same-day)
Express translation - delivery within 24 hours - is the most demanding service tier and carries the highest surcharge (typically 30 to 50%). Same-day delivery (for documents submitted before 10:00) requires an additional premium.
Express service is genuinely necessary only for genuine emergencies: an unexpected court date, a document discovered missing on the day before a notarial appointment, or an embassy appointment the following morning. Planning even one day ahead can often allow you to use the more affordable priority service instead.
Factors that extend timelines beyond estimates
Several factors can push delivery beyond the standard estimate:
- Poor document quality: low-resolution scans, faded ink, handwritten sections, or heavily annotated documents require additional time to decipher correctly
- Rare language pairs: if the required translator is not immediately available, sourcing and briefing a qualified substitute adds time
- Complex terminology: highly technical legal, medical, or scientific texts require research time beyond the actual translation work
- Client delays in providing documents or context: providing additional documents (terminology glossaries, reference translations, context information) at the outset reduces translation time significantly
Best practices for managing translation deadlines
The single most effective practice: submit your document as early as possible and communicate your actual deadline - not an artificial one. Translators who know the real deadline can plan their work efficiently. Artificially tight deadlines create unnecessary stress and can lead to surcharges for express service that was not genuinely needed. Build a relationship with a trusted agency so that your preferred translator knows your style and subject matter, further reducing turnaround time.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does using machine translation (AI) speed up professional translation?
Machine translation (MT) post-editing can speed up certain types of translation - particularly repetitive, highly structured content. However, for sworn translations, legal documents, and sensitive personal documents, MT post-editing is not appropriate: the sworn translator takes personal legal responsibility for accuracy, which requires full human translation and review. TranslateBE does not use unreviewed machine translation for certified or sensitive documents.
If I provide a glossary or reference translation, does it speed up delivery?
Yes, significantly. A terminology glossary, a previous translation in the same subject matter, or background reading about your organisation reduces the translator's research time and improves consistency. For ongoing clients, TranslateBE maintains a translation memory and glossary for each client, which progressively reduces both cost and delivery time.
What happens if the translation is not delivered on time?
TranslateBE commits to agreed deadlines and communicates proactively if any risk of delay arises. If a delay occurs on our side without prior notice, we apply the agreed rate without the express surcharge and notify the client immediately. We do not commit to deadlines we cannot guarantee - which is why feasibility is always confirmed before accepting an order.