How Much Does a Certified Translation Cost in Quebec in 2026?

The cost of a certified translation in Quebec depends on the type of document, the language combination, the volume, the legibility of the original, and the requested timeline. There is no single fixed price — every file is different. This guide provides indicative benchmarks to help you estimate your budget and get an accurate quote.

In brief — In Quebec, the price of a certified translation depends primarily on the type of document, the language pair, the volume, and the requested timeline. At Asiatis, short documents such as a birth certificate, diploma, or police record can generally be quoted at a flat rate, while longer documents are typically estimated per word or on a custom basis. Standard timelines vary depending on translator availability and urgency level; a personalized quote remains the best way to get an exact price.

What Is the Average Cost of a Certified Translation in Quebec?

There is no universal price for a certified translation in Quebec. The cost depends on several factors specific to each document and each request.

Common ranges:

• Short documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police record): often quoted at a flat rate, starting from approximately CAD $79 depending on the language and legibility.
• Medium-length documents (diploma, transcript, employment letter): flat rate or per-word, depending on format and content density.
• Long documents (divorce decree, contract, legal file): generally estimated per word or on a custom quote basis.

These amounts are Asiatis commercial indications. The final price is always confirmed by quote before work begins.

Why Does the Price of a Certified Translation Vary So Much?

Several factors influence the cost of a certified translation:

• Source and target language — some language combinations are rarer and require specialized translators.
• Number of pages or words — a one-page birth certificate and a 20-page divorce decree are not priced the same.
• Document legibility — handwritten, poorly scanned, or hard-to-read documents require more time.
• Requested format — certified PDF, paper copy, postal delivery.
• Timeline — standard processing and rush service are not priced the same.
• Certification and seal — certification by a certified translator is included in a certified translation. Additional paper copies, notarization, or apostille are separate services.
• Specialized complexity — legal, medical, or technical documents may require a translator with sector-specific expertise.

What Are the Indicative Prices by Document Type?

The following table provides general ranges for the most common documents. These estimates are indicative only and do not constitute a contractual price list.

These amounts are provided as indicative guidance. The final price depends on the document's legibility, language, volume, requested format, and timeline. Request a personalized quote to get the exact price for your translation.

Does the Price Vary by Language?

Yes. The language combination is one of the most significant factors in the price of a certified translation.

These indications reflect the general availability of certified translators for each language combination. The final price is always confirmed by quote.

How Much Does a Certified Translation for IRCC, MIFI, or WES Cost?

The cost of a certified translation does not depend so much on the receiving authority as on the document itself. A birth certificate translated for IRCC, MIFI, or WES costs the same if the document, language, and format are identical.

However, format requirements may vary:

• IRCC — accepts certified translations by a member of a recognized Canadian translation association (OTTIAQ, ATIO, STIBC). For more details, see our IRCC guide.
• MIFI — requires a translation by a recognized translator, with their name and seal. For a Quebec-bound application, an OTTIAQ-certified translator is the safest choice. See our MIFI guide.
• WES — requires compliant translations for credential evaluations of diplomas and transcripts. See our diploma translation for WES page.

Having a compliant translation prepared correctly from the start avoids paying twice in case of rejection for non-compliance.

What Additional Fees May Apply?

Depending on your file, some additional costs may apply:

• Certified paper copy — if the recipient requires an original paper version in addition to the PDF.
• Postal or courier delivery — shipping fees for physical documents.
• Rush service — possible surcharge depending on availability and requested timeline, confirmed in the quote.
• Notarization or affidavit — required in some cases if the translator is not a member of a recognized professional order.
• Apostille or legalization — if the document is intended for use abroad. See our apostille guide and our apostille service.
• Special formatting — for illegible, handwritten, or complex-layout documents.

These fees are not automatic. They are specified in the quote before work begins.

What Is the Surcharge for an Urgent Translation?

Rush service is available depending on translator availability and the language requested. The surcharge varies case by case and depends on:

• the source language;
• the document volume;
• the requested timeline;
• the availability of a qualified translator.

The exact surcharge is always confirmed in the quote before processing. No work begins without your agreement on price and timeline.

How to Save on a Certified Translation

A few practical tips to reduce the cost of your translation:

• Send clear scans — a well-scanned, flat, legible document reduces processing time and the risk of surcharges for poor legibility.
• Bundle your documents — submitting all your documents in a single quote often allows for overall price optimization.
• Plan ahead — avoiding urgency lets you benefit from the standard timeline, without a rush surcharge.
• Check if the document is already in French or English — some documents may not need translation if the receiving authority accepts both languages.
• Specify the exact recipient — IRCC, MIFI, WES, university, employer, court. This ensures the translation is prepared in the right format from the start.
• Request the right format upfront — PDF, paper, number of copies. Avoiding back-and-forth reduces delays and costs.

Does Asiatis Charge Per Word, Per Page, or Per Document?

The pricing model depends on the document type:

• Short documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police record): often at a flat rate, since the content is standardized and predictable.
• Long documents (judgments, contracts, manuals): often per word or on a custom quote, since length and complexity vary.
• Specialized documents (medical, legal, technical): custom quote accounting for the required specialization.

The goal is to avoid surprises. The price is always confirmed before work begins.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

To receive a fast and accurate quote, send us:

1. The complete document to be translated (legible scan or photo).
2. The source language and the target language.
3. The recipient of the translation (IRCC, MIFI, WES, university, employer, other).
4. Your desired timeline (standard, rush, specific deadline).
5. The format required (certified PDF, paper copy, number of copies).

At Asiatis, quotes are generally provided within one business hour when documents are legible and complete. Request your free quote.

FAQ

Is the price of a certified translation regulated in Quebec?

No. There is no regulated price schedule for certified translations in Quebec. OTTIAQ is the professional order that governs the certified translator profession in Quebec, but it does not set translation prices. Each agency or independent translator sets their own rates.

Why does a certified translation cost more than a standard translation?

A certified translation carries the professional responsibility of the certified translator. It includes certification, seal, and signature, and must meet accuracy and format standards required by official authorities. This level of rigour and accountability is reflected in the price.

Are the seal and certification included in the price?

Yes. For a certified translation, the translator's certification (seal, signature, declaration) is included in the service. However, additional paper copies, postal delivery, notarization, or apostille may be charged separately depending on your needs.

How much does translating a complete IRCC file cost?

It depends on the number of documents, the languages involved, and the total volume. An IRCC file may include civil status documents, diplomas, transcripts, police records, and employment letters. Each document is evaluated individually. Request a quote for your complete file.

How much does translating a MIFI file cost?

The cost of a MIFI file depends on the number of documents, the required format, and the languages. A MIFI file may include civil status documents, diplomas, transcripts, employment attestations, and other supporting documents. A personalized quote allows you to estimate the overall cost.

Is the rate the same for French to English and English to French?

The price is often comparable for these two combinations, but it may vary depending on the document, volume, and level of specialization required. The quote takes all parameters into account.

Can I get a cheaper certified translation?

Yes, less expensive options exist, but compliance must be ensured. A translation rejected by IRCC, MIFI, or WES can cost more than a properly done translation from the start — in time, retranslation fees, and delays to your application.

How do I get a quote quickly?

Send the complete document (legible scan), specify the target language, the recipient, and your desired timeline. At Asiatis, quotes are generally provided within one business hour when documents are legible and complete.

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To get an exact price for your certified translation, request a free quote. Our certified translators handle files for IRCC, MIFI, WES, universities, and courts. See also our certified translation page to learn more about our services.