Word Count and Document Length
A professional translator typically completes 2,000 to 2,500 words of new translation per business day. Add 1 day for editorial review on larger projects, plus 1 day for client review and revisions.
Turnaround Times
Translation Turnaround Times
How long professional translation takes by document type, word count, and language pair. Standard, expedited, and same-day options.
By Mike Bastin · Founder and CEOLast updated May 19, 2026
Turnaround Tiers by Document Size
Standard Service
1 to 3 business days
For documents up to 3,000 words. Most certified translations, business correspondence, marketing copy, and short legal documents fall in this tier.
Mid-Volume
3 to 7 business days
For documents 3,000 to 15,000 words. Long-form contracts, technical manuals, marketing brochures, and most business reports.
Large Project
1 to 4 weeks
For 15,000 to 100,000 words. Annual reports, full website translations, software localization releases, and exhibition catalogs.
Expedited
Same business day
Urgent translations under 2,000 words for time-sensitive deal documents, court filings, or USCIS-certified translation deadlines. Expedited surcharge applies.
What Determines Your Turnaround
Language Pair
Common pairs (English-Spanish, English-French, English-German) typically have the most flexible scheduling. Less common combinations (e.g. English-Burmese, English-Khmer) may require extra lead time depending on translator availability.
Subject Matter Specialism
Specialist content such as medical regulatory, patent translation, or financial reporting requires translators with appropriate qualifications. Lead time may extend slightly to match the right translator to your project.
Certification Requirements
Certified translation, sworn, or notarized translation adds 1 business day to the standard timeline to allow for affidavit preparation and notarization where applicable.
File Format and DTP Requirements
InDesign, Quark, and complex PDF formats add DTP time for layout reflow. Plain text, Word, and HTML files have minimal additional handling time.
All timelines are confirmed in writing as part of your project quote. We do not commit to a delivery date until the source files have been received and the translator availability is confirmed.
Turnaround Times FAQ
How long does a typical legal contract translation take?
A standard 5,000-word commercial contract typically returns within 2 to 3 business days. Same-day delivery is available for urgent legal translation work under 2,000 words with expedited service.
Can you deliver same-day for urgent immigration documents?
Yes. Standard immigration documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police clearances can be delivered same-day if submitted by mid-morning. Certified translation surcharge plus expedited fee applies.
What is the turnaround for a full annual report translation?
A 50,000 to 80,000-word annual report typically translates in 6 to 10 business days per language pair with standard service. Multilingual co-ordination across 5+ target languages can be aligned to a single delivery deadline.
How do you handle weekend and holiday deadlines?
Weekend and holiday work is available with advance notice and an out-of-hours surcharge. We do not assume weekend availability without explicit booking confirmation.
What Our Clients Say
“I recently used the BeTranslated France translation service and the experience was absolutely remarkable. The translators were competent, professional and extremely responsive. They were able to understand my specific needs and delivered high quality work on time. I highly recommend this service to anyone who needs accurate and efficient translations. A big thank you to the whole team!”
David B.
Google review (FR) , 2 years ago
“Amazing service! Very professional and quick. Greta communication via WhatsApp and email. I needed my documents very last minute and BeTranslated bent over back to help me with it, delivering hard copy too! Thank you - will use them definitely again in future.”
Ines P.
Google review (SL) , 9 months ago
“It is a real pleasure to work with the BeTranslated team who has been very professional, flexible and responsive during all projects.”
Valentine B.
Google review (INTL) , 3 years ago
5.0/5.0 from 168 Google Reviews
Translation Turnaround Times: Talk to a Specialist
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