Frequently asked questions

Prices depend on the type and length of the document, the language pair, the format required by the receiving authority and your deadline. That's why we quote every request individually — send us your document and you'll receive a free quote, usually within one working day.

An apostille is a single certificate that makes a public document valid in all countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention — Samoa has been a party since 1999. Countries outside the Convention require consular or embassy legalization instead, which involves several authentication steps.

For a certified translation, a clear scan or photo is usually enough. For an apostille, legalization or a certified true copy, the original (or an officially issued copy) is generally required. We tell you exactly what is needed before you send anything.

Yes. Many clients live in New Zealand, Australia, the United States or elsewhere. We handle the steps in Samoa on your behalf and send the finished documents to your address by tracked courier.

Our core languages in Samoa are Samoan, English and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional). Through our international team we also cover Tongan, Fijian, Māori, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Hindi and many more.

Certified translations can be delivered as signed PDF files by email and as printed originals by courier anywhere in Samoa or abroad. Apostilled and legalized documents are returned as originals.

Our certified translations are prepared to the format immigration authorities such as Immigration New Zealand, the Australian Department of Home Affairs or USCIS ask for: a complete and accurate translation with the translator's details and a signed statement of accuracy. Tell us where the translation will be submitted and we make sure the format matches.

Standard documents such as birth certificates are usually ready within 1–3 working days. Longer or urgent documents are quoted individually — tell us your deadline when you request a quote.

Yes. We translate foreign company documents into English for filing in Samoa, and Samoan company documents into the language your partners or authorities need — including certified versions where required.

Yes, on request, before we receive your documents.

If the destination country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is usually enough. If it is not, consular or embassy legalization is needed instead. Tell us the destination country and we confirm the correct route before we start.

Yes. Many of our clients live in New Zealand, Australia or the United States. We handle the process in Samoa on your behalf and send you the finished documents by tracked courier.

Requirements change over time and can depend on the type of document. Countries outside the Apostille Convention generally require legalization; we check the current rules for your destination before we start.

It depends on the embassy and on the number of authentication steps. You receive a realistic timeline together with your quote.

A copy of an original document that a notary or authorised official certifies as identical to the original. It lets you submit a valid copy without handing over the original.

For signature witnessing, the signatory usually needs to appear before the notary in person or, where accepted, by approved remote means. Certified copies can often be arranged from the original document without your presence — we tell you exactly what is needed.

Yes. We translate the document, explain exactly how to have it signed and notarised where you live, and coordinate the apostille or legalization so it can be used in Samoa.

We work from the wording provided by you, your lawyer or the institution that will receive it, translate it and prepare the bilingual layout. For legal advice on the content, please consult a lawyer.

Usually your full name, the date and place of the event (for example the birth), your parents' names, a copy of your ID and a signed authorisation. We send you a checklist for your specific document.

Yes — by tracked international courier, with a scanned copy sent by email first.

Yes, by phone or on video platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or WeChat.

As early as possible — ideally one week ahead for on-site assignments. We can often help with short-notice requests as well.