What determines translation rates in Australia
The cost of translation in Australia primarily depends on language pair, document complexity, urgency, certification requirements, and volume. For example, a birth certificate translation might cost AUD $55 per page, while a 3-page technical manual would cost AUD $80. Here is a breakdown of the different factors:
Language pair complexity
In Australia, common language combinations such as French-to-English or German-to-English cost about AUD $45–AUD $80 because translators are more readily available. However, rare language pairs such as Icelandic-to-Japanese or Latin-to-Urdu will cost about AUD $69 to AUD $100 per page due to the limited availability of specialist translators.
Document type and length
If you are translating a single-page birth certificate, the price will differ from that for a 50-page technical manual. Personal documents often use per-page rates, while business and technical content typically charges per word to account for variations in text complexity. Translayte charges $38.99 per page and $0.10 for certified and professional translation services in Australia.
NAATI certification requirements
If you are submitting official documents to Australian government departments, universities, or courts that require certified translations, you must use a NAATI translator. These translators have credentials and provide certifications that ensure compliance with quality standards and acceptance by Australian authorities. Translated documents without this accreditation are rejected by the Department of Home Affairs and other authorities.
Formatting complexity
Some documents have unique formats, stamps, seals, and other elements that increase complexity. For example, academic records often have tables that must be maintained. These formatting requirements mean translators spend more time on a project, thereby increasing costs. While a simple text document can cost AUD $60 per page, a document with complex tables, graphics, or specialised layouts can cost up to AUD $100 per page.
Turnaround time
Standard delivery for translation in Australia is typically 3-5 business days and uses regular rates. However, if you want an urgent turnaround within 12–24 hours, you should expect to pay an additional 25-50% of the standard rate. Translayte charges an additional 30% of the standard fee for priority translation delivered within 24 hours. of the standard translation fee for a 24 hours turnaround.
Note: At Translayte, we have a 12-24-hour standard turnaround time for documents, and our translations are accepted by Australian authorities. You can also request expedited delivery within 12 hours. Do you want an accurate translation fast? Request a free quote, with no document uploads required.
Typical price ranges by document type
Australian translation rates vary by document type, from AUD $60 to AUD $150 per page. Here's what you can expect to pay across common document categories:
Personal documents - AUD $65 – AUD $80 per page
This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, and driving licences. These documents follow original formats and NAATI translation requirements. They are also relatively straightforward to translate, especially for common language pairs.
Legal, academic, and business documents - AUD $0.20 – AUD $0.45 per word
This category includes contracts, court documents, academic transcripts, business correspondence, and financial statements. Pricing varies based on the complexity of the terminology and whether specialised legal or financial expertise is required.
Technical and medical translations - AUD $0.35– AUD $0.55 per word
These types of translation often need specialist subject-matter review. Documents under this translation category include medical records, pharmaceutical documentation, engineering specifications, and scientific research. The translator must also have domain expertise beyond language skills.
Note: Bulk and repeat work often qualify for 10-15% discounts when you're translating multiple documents or establishing an ongoing relationship with a provider.
What Is the Average Translation Cost by Document Type in 2026?
Document Type | Typical Range (AUD) | Pricing Basis | Notes |
Birth/Marriage/Driver's licence | $65–$80 | Per page | NAATI-approved, standard format |
Academic transcripts | $80–$100 | Per page | Extra pages/complex layouts |
Business/technical | $0.20–$0.45 | Per word | Depends on volume, complexity |
Rare languages | $0.45+ | Per word | Lower translator supply |
Translation costs across Australian cities
The cost of translation in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide varies depending on many factors. In Sydney and other high-demand states, you can expect to pay about AUD $69 to AUD $90 per page for standard documents. In smaller cities and regional areas, prices range from AUD $50 to AUD $80 per page.
Translation costs by city
Sydney: AUD $65 – $90 per page
Melbourne: AUD $60 – $90 per page
Brisbane: AUD $69 – $99 per page
Perth: AUD $60 – $90 per page
Adelaide: AUD $50 – $100 per page
Canberra: AUD $60 – $90 per page
Translayte offers a flat rate for NAATI-certified birth certificate translations in Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Sydney, and other Australian cities. Our fixed pricing model helps eliminate pricing discrepancies and ensures you get value for your money.
Certified vs Non-Certified Translations in Australia
When submitting documents in Australia, you will often need to provide a certified or non-certified translation. Each type of translation has its own features and use cases, which affect pricing.
Feature | Certified Translation (NAATI) | Non-Certified Translation |
Definition | Official translation completed by a NAATI-certified translator | Standard professional translation without official certification |
Accreditation requirement | The translator must be accredited or certified by NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) | No NAATI accreditation required |
Includes official statements? | Includes statement of accuracy, translator’s stamp, credentials, and NAATI number | No formal certification statement required |
Legal validity | Recognised as legally valid for official submissions in Australia | Not legally recognised for official government submissions |
Where it is required | Department of Home Affairs (visas, immigration) State transport authorities (licence conversion) Australian courts Universities (academic recognition), Government registry offices (births, marriages, deaths)
| |
Can it be used for visa or licence applications? | Yes | No |
Pricing structure | Usually per document/page (approx. AUD $60–$100 for standard documents) | Usually per word (approx. AUD $0.20–$0.45 per word depending on complexity) |
Cost level | Higher due to accreditation and formal certification requirements | Lower with no certification process involved |
Risk of using the wrong type | Accepted by the authorities | May be rejected for official submissions |
Verification method | The translator’s NAATI credential number can be verified on the official NAATI public register. | No official register for verification |
How urgency & add-ons affect cost
Translation pricing for standard delivery timelines differs from that for urgent requests. Additional service requirements, such as physical copy delivery, can also influence final costs. Here are some things to note:
Urgent turnaround
If you need your document translated within 12–24 hours, an additional fee applies. This is because the translation company may need more than one translator for the project, and other factors may be at play. Expedited service costs range:
24-hour delivery: Extra 30-40% to base price
Same-day service: Extra 50% or more
Weekend or after-hours requests may incur additional premiums depending on the translation company's structure.
These surcharges compensate translators for rearranging schedules, working extended hours, or declining other projects to prioritise your deadline. For a birth certificate, typically costing AUD $70 with standard delivery, 24-hour service typically costs AUD $90-$100.
Hidden-fees
Here are some hidden fees to watch out for:
Additional services that increase translation costs in Australia
Notarisation: This adds a notary public's formal witnessing and seal to your certified translation, sometimes required for international document use. Notary fees typically range from $50 to $120, depending on the complexity of the document and whether you need mobile notary services.
Apostille certification: This is required for documents used in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention. It involves additional processing by the government department and fees ranging from AUD $70 to AUD $165, depending on the issuing authority.
Certified hard copies: Paper copies of your translation, with the original translator's stamps, are available at an additional cost. The translator will include the costs of printing, binding, and courier delivery, which add AUD $20-$50 to your order.
Postal delivery: Prices vary by service level and destination. You can expect to pay from AUD $10 standard post to AUD $25+ for express tracked delivery.
How to save on certified translation costs in 2026?
Request quotes from multiple NAATI providers before committing: Pricing varies between agencies, and comparing 3-4 quotes helps you identify competitive rates. It also helps you avoid unusually low prices that may signal quality concerns or a lack of proper certification, which can lead to rejection.
Send editable files whenever possible: Word documents or text-based PDFs cost less to translate than scanned images or low-quality photos, since translators can work directly with the text. Use legible scanned copies in PDF or DOC format to avoid translation errors and rejection by Australian authorities.
Group documents for bundle discounts: If you need multiple certificates translated, submitting them together often yields a 10-15% discount compared to ordering them separately over several weeks.
Plan ahead to avoid rush fees: Standard turnaround times cost significantly less than urgent service. If you know you'll need translations for a visa application or university enrolment, ordering 2-3 weeks early saves 25-50% compared to last-minute requests.
Verify translator credentials before paying: Check NAATI registration numbers on the official public register. Paying for "certified" translations from unaccredited translators means authorities will reject your documents, and you'll have to pay again for legitimate service.
Key takeaways on translation costs in Australia
Personal documents are usually priced per page at AUD $60–$80, while business and technical translations are typically charged per word at AUD $0.20–$0.55, depending on complexity.
Certified translations by NAATI-accredited translators are required for immigration, courts, universities, and government use. Non-certified translations are cheaper but not accepted for official submissions.
Common languages cost less, while rare languages and highly technical or medical documents attract higher per-word rates due to specialist expertise.
Same-day, 24-hour, weekend, and after-hours services incur premium surcharges compared to standard 1–3 business-day delivery.
Additional services such as notarisation, apostille, certified hard copies, postage, and complex formatting incur additional charges on your translation cost in Australia.
Get certified & transparent quotes from Translayte
Translayte is a reputable company offering certified translation services in Australia. They simplify the entire process with transparent pricing, fast turnaround, and NAATI-approved translation quality that Australian authorities accept without question.
Why choose Translayte:
Certified translation from NAATI-approved translator: Our NAATI-approved translators hold current credentials verified through the official registry. Every translation includes the translator's stamp, statement of accuracy, and NAATI number. This ensures your documents meet requirements for the Department of Home Affairs, state transport authorities, universities, courts, and all Australian government departments.
Translation in over 150 language pairs: We cover 150+ languages, including Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi, and rare languages that many agencies decline or charge premium rates for.
Local and global acceptance: Our translations are accepted for immigration, admissions, court, business, and other official purposes in Australia and worldwide. Regardless of your location, we have local translators who understand state-specific requirements.
Quick turnaround: We offer a standard delivery window of 12 to 24 hours. You can also request expedited delivery options for an extra fee.
Online ordering: You can order your translation on our website by uploading your documents, selecting the required certification, and paying the applicable fees. This simple online ordering process eliminates phone calls and office visits. Your certified translation arrives via email, ready for immediate use or printing.
Transparent pricing: Unlike other translation services, you can see your document costs in real time. You don't need to upload documents or enter an email address. Simply visit our quotes page, select the language pair, page count, and any other requirements, and see the cost.
Whether you need a single birth certificate translated for immigration or various business documents for international expansion, Translayte delivers NAATI-accepted quality at competitive rates.
Request a free quote to get your NAATI-approved translation.
