Planning a business document translation project
Need company documents in another language? Map the documents, recipients and approval steps first, then…
Start with the documents and their purpose
List the documents your company needs to use in another language. Group them by purpose: internal information, customer communication, contracts or documents for a public authority. Record who will read each item and what they need to do with it.
For example, a company registration document for an authority and a sales presentation for prospective customers need separate briefs. Give each document a named owner who can answer questions about its content.
Confirm languages and recipient requirements
Specify the source language, target language and intended country or audience. Ask the receiving organisation for its instructions before ordering an official document translation. Record any requirements concerning a sworn translation, the original document or legalisation.
Use our sworn and certified translation guide to frame that discussion. For an agreement, start with our legal translation service; for a wider document set, see document translations.
Set priorities and assign approvals
Separate the documents needed for your immediate deadline from material that can follow later. Note which versions are approved and which are still being changed. Tell the translation provider about related documents so that the scope can be considered together.
Decide who will approve terminology, answer questions and sign off the translated material. If several departments are involved, nominate one contact to consolidate their feedback. Give that person the internal decision dates as well as the final delivery deadline.
Choose the service after defining the scope
Once you know what the project contains, compare the proposed work, delivery format and price. Our guide to choosing a translation agency for your company covers supplier selection.
If your company already has a translated draft, explain how it was produced and what needs checking. Our guide to proofreading, editing and translation revision helps you describe that request. For practical file preparation, use the document preparation checklist.
Request a quote for the agreed document set
Request your no-obligation quote with the document list, languages, intended use and priorities. Include the recipient’s instructions and your preferred delivery date. Urgent Vertalen will confirm the work we can arrange, price and delivery time before you order.
Keep the agreed scope with your project records. If a document or deadline changes, raise it with your contact before sending the new version so the quotation and delivery plan can be checked.
