GUIDE · UPDATED NOVEMBER 2026
Translate Before or After the Apostille?
The order matters. Here is why the apostille usually comes first, when the translation needs its own apostille, and how it works for common destinations.
The short answer
In most cases, apostille the original document first, then translate the document and the apostille together. The office abroad needs to read everything in the file, including the apostille, which is issued in English. Translating first and apostilling second usually leaves the apostille untranslated, and the translation itself is not what the apostille certifies. The main exception is when the receiving country wants the translation itself to carry an apostille; then the translation is notarized and apostilled as a second step.
The three common routes
| Route | Steps | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apostille, then translate | Apostille the U.S. document; translate the document and apostille; certify the translation | The most common route; many countries accept a certified translation made in the United States or abroad |
| 2. Apostille, translate, then apostille the translation | Apostille the U.S. document; translate both; the translator signs before a notary; apostille the notarized translation | Countries that accept U.S. translations only if they are notarized and apostilled |
| 3. Apostille, then sworn translation abroad | Apostille the U.S. document; ship it; a sworn translator in the destination country translates it | Countries that require their own sworn translators, such as Spain for many purposes |
Why the apostille usually comes first
- The apostille is part of the document the foreign office will review, and it is in English.
- An apostille certifies the signature on the document it is attached to. An apostille on a U.S. original does not certify a translation made earlier.
- Translating first can mean paying for a second translation once the apostille is added.
- Sworn translators abroad usually expect to receive the apostilled original.
Apostille and translation in one order?
We handle both, in the order your recipient expects.
When the translation needs its own apostille
Some receiving offices accept translations made in the United States only if they are notarized and apostilled. In that case, the translator signs the certificate of accuracy in front of a notary, and the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth apostilles the notarization. The result is two apostilles: one on the original document and one on the translation. See Can a Translation Be Apostilled?.
Examples by destination
| Destination | What clients are often asked for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Apostilled original, then a sworn translation by a traductor jurado, for many official purposes | Spain |
| Italy | Apostilled original with an Italian translation, often sworn or certified as the office specifies | Italy |
| Portugal | Apostilled original; certified translation where accepted | Portugal |
| Brazil | Apostilled original; sworn translation by a Brazilian public translator for many purposes | Brazil |
| China | Apostilled original; translation requirements vary by office | China |
| Latin America | Apostilled original; Spanish translation, sometimes notarized and apostilled | Spanish translation |
Requirements vary by office and purpose and change frequently. Always confirm with the office receiving your documents.
How we handle it in one order
We confirm the route your recipient expects, apostille the originals, provide certified translations of the document and apostille through our American Translators Association corporate membership, notarize and apostille the translation when required, and ship everything together. When a sworn translator abroad is required, we ship the apostilled originals to your translator or attorney with tracking. See Certified Translation and How to Get an Apostille.
Questions to ask before you start
- Does the receiving office accept translations made in the United States?
- Must the translation be notarized, apostilled or sworn?
- Must the apostille itself be translated?
- How recent must the documents and the translation be?
- Should the translation be attached to the original, or delivered separately?
A worked example
A Boston resident applying for residency abroad needs a birth certificate. We order a new certified copy from the city clerk, file it with the Secretary of the Commonwealth for an apostille, translate the certificate and the apostille, and, because the receiving office requires it, have the translator sign the certificate of accuracy before a notary so the translation receives its own apostille. The client receives one bound set with two apostilles, ready to submit.
Good to know
Apostille first
In most cases.
Translate the apostille
Many countries require it.
Two apostilles
When the translation must be apostilled.
Sworn abroad
Some countries require their own translators.
Official sources
- Hague Conference: Apostille Convention status table
- Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth: apostilles and certifications
- American Translators Association
Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word. We confirm current requirements with every quote.
Frequently asked questions
Should I translate before or after the apostille?
Usually after, so the apostille is translated too.
Does the apostille need to be translated?
Many countries require it, because the apostille is part of the document they review.
Can a translation be apostilled?
Yes, when the translator's certificate is notarized. The apostille certifies the notarization.
Can you handle the apostille and translation together?
Yes. We apostille, translate and, when required, apostille the translation, in one order.
What if I already translated before the apostille?
The apostille will usually need to be translated separately, and some offices will want a new translation of the complete set.
Need an apostille and a translation?
Upload your document, and we will handle both in the right order.