Official and certified translation – which one do you actually need?
In short: in Hungary, certified translation (“hiteles fordítás”) may only be issued by OFFI, the National Office for Translation and Attestation, which is authorised to do so by law. What most administrative procedures actually require, however, is an official translation with a certifying clause – which we, as a registered translation agency, produce with our stamp and clause. The two are not the same, and it matters which one the authority you are dealing with asks for. This page explains the difference so you can work out exactly what you need.
What is the difference between official and certified translation?
The two terms sound similar but mean different things. Here is the essence in a table:
| Certified translation (OFFI) | Official translation (with clause) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who may issue it? | Only OFFI, on the basis of statutory authorisation | Any registered translation agency – including Transword |
| What does it contain? | OFFI’s attestation clause | Agency clause, stamp and statement of conformity |
| When is it needed? | Where the authority expressly requires OFFI attestation | Sufficient for most Hungarian and international procedures |
| Legal status | A category laid down in legislation | Not a statutory category, but widely accepted |
An important exception worth knowing: under Decree 24/1986. (VI. 26.) MT, certified translations of company extracts and of data to be entered in the company register may also be prepared by a qualified specialist translator or reviser – OFFI is not required.
Which one do you need? – a quick guide
The safest answer is always the same: ask the authority you are submitting the document to. They can tell you exactly whether they accept an official translation with a certifying clause, or insist on OFFI certification. In our experience:
- An official (clause-bearing) translation is usually enough: school certificates, diplomas, birth and marriage certificates, criminal record extracts, contracts, corporate documents, banking and business administration, and most cases of employment abroad.
- A certified (OFFI) translation may be required: in certain state and public administration procedures, and when you submit a foreign-language document issued abroad to a Hungarian state institution. In these cases OFFI attestation is often specifically requested.
If you are unsure, write to us at transword01@gmail.com. We will look at your particular case and tell you the most cost-effective solution before you commit to anything.
Document translation – from birth certificates to diplomas
We translate the most common documents as a matter of routine, with stamp and clause, in 30 languages:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Criminal record extract
- School certificates, diplomas, transcripts of records
- Driving licence and personal identification documents
- Contracts, corporate documents, specimen signatures
The clause confirms that the translation corresponds in content in every respect to the original.
Certificate and diploma translation for work or study abroad
If you are planning to work or study abroad, your certificates and diploma are typically required as an official translation with a certifying clause, which we can produce quickly. It is always worth checking in advance with the receiving institution which type of translation they accept, as this varies from country to country and from institution to institution.
How does it work? – 4 steps
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. You send the document | By email or as a photo to transword01@gmail.com. |
| 2. We send a quote | We look at the length, the language, the deadline and the intended use, then confirm the price and the deadline in writing. |
| 3. We do the work | The translation is produced by a specialist translator, and the official version is issued with our clause and stamp. |
| 4. We deliver | Digitally (PDF), and in print on request. Postal delivery or collection in person at Madách Imre u. 3. |
Why Transword?
- A translation agency in downtown Budapest, operating since 1994 – more than three decades of experience.
- 30 languages, with specialist translators who also know the terminology of the field in question.
- Transparent pricing: no hidden costs, and work only starts once you have approved the price and the deadline in writing.
- Fast online administration: you do not need to come in person – though if you would like to, the door of our downtown office is open.
Frequently asked questions
Is an official translation enough, or do I need a certified one?
For most Hungarian and international administration, an official translation with a certifying clause is sufficient. A certified (OFFI) translation is typically required when the receiving authority expressly prescribes it, or when you submit a foreign-language document issued abroad to a Hungarian state body. If in doubt, ask the receiving authority, or write to us and we will help you decide.
Can you produce certified translations?
In Hungary, certified translations may only be issued by OFFI, with the exception of company extracts and data to be entered in the company register, which a qualified specialist translator may also certify. In every other case we provide an official translation bearing our clause and stamp, which is accepted in most places.
How long does it take?
It depends on the length, the language and the urgency. We confirm the exact deadline in writing in the quote, and for urgent jobs we can also work on a priority basis for a surcharge.
How much does it cost?
We give an individual quote, because no two documents are the same. The price and the deadline are agreed in advance in writing, and we only start work once you have approved them. Send us the document and you will receive a quote shortly.
Do I have to bring the document in person?
No. It is enough to send it by email or as a photo taken with your phone. We deliver the finished translation digitally, and in print or by post on request.
Get a quote in a few minutes
Send the document to transword01@gmail.com, or call us on +36 30 949 8132 – we will look at it and tell you whether you need an official or a certified translation, what it costs and when it will be ready.
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