your official translator and interpreter based in Zakynthos

The Hague Apostille is affixed to public documents in order to confirm the authenticity of the signature and the capacity in which the signatory acted.

Whether you need it or not depends primarily on the body the documents are to be submitted to and not on the translator. That is why you need to clarify that before translating the text. The official translation can be done without the Hague Apostille. However, if the competent officer at the department you are submitting the documents to requests it, you should ensure that it is included in your documents before the translation process commences.

Keep in mind that the Hague Apostille should always be obtained before the translation is done.

• You initially send us the documents preferably by email and let us know from which to which language you want them to be translated. To serve you better, you need to inform us about the purpose of the translation. This is because your document may not be accepted if e.g., does not bear the appropriate stamps and because in other cases it determines how the text will be translated.
  
• We estimate delivery time and cost, let you know and you decide if and how you want to proceed. Alternatively, you can call us at +30 698 8228 735 or +30 26950 41428 and arrange an appointment at our office.

The original text is always attached to the official translation.

Depending on the rules set by the department the documents are to be submitted to the original text may be in the following formats:

• An ordinary copy of the original, which can be delivered in hard copy or electronic format.
• A certified original or certified copy of the original.
• If the department you are submitting the documents to requests the original document to be attached to the translation and not a copy of it then this should be delivered to us in hard copy either at our office or by post.

You will often be asked by a body or organisation to provide the “official” translation of a foreign language certificate, private document or other type of text, such as diplomas, court decisions, driver’s licenses, contracts, agreements, leases, etc.

An official translation is considered a translation in which the translator takes legal responsibility for the correctness and accuracy of the translation with his or her signature and seal.

Note that the terms “official”, “certified” or “legal” translation are identical and refer to translations with certified validity.

• Graduate translators of the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting of the Ionian University, members of the Panhellenic Association of Professional Translators, Graduates of the Ionian University (PEEMPIP) Presidential Decree 169 of 17/06/2002 (Government Gazette 156/2-7-2002).
• Attorneys registered with the Bar Association as speakers of the foreign language in which you are interested. However, they can only translate foreign documents into Greek.
• 
  Article 36 par. 2 c of Law No 4194/2013 of the Lawyers Code (Government Gazette A 208/27-9-2013).
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Translation Service. There may be a waiting list and delivery time may be long.
• 
  Article 22 of Law No 3566/2007 (A 117).
• Notaries public, whose right is limited to translating foreign-language documents which are useful in preparing decisions within their remit into Greek.
• 
  Law No 2830/2000 (Government Gazette A 96/16-3-2000) Notaries Code, article 1 par. 2.

In any case and in accordance with the legislation of the Greek state, the translations that have been certified by one of the above bodies have equal validity.