Notarial translation of documents in Israel
A document in a foreign language is rarely accepted as it stands: the Ministry of Interior, the National Insurance Institute, the courts and the universities all ask for a translation certified by a notary. We translate and certify documents in Hebrew, English, Russian and Ukrainian, adding an apostille where the document is going abroad.
Two kinds of certification — and the difference that matters
Certification of translation accuracy is available where the notary commands both the source and the target language: the notary checks the text and personally attests that it is faithful. This is the stronger document, and official bodies prefer it.
A translator’s affidavit is used where the notary does not command one of the languages: the translator swears before the notary that the translation is correct, and the notary certifies that affidavit. Some foreign authorities accept this; others insist on certification of accuracy — worth confirming before you order.
What we translate and certify
- Birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates.
- Diplomas, transcripts and confirmations of study.
- Court judgments and rulings.
- Contracts, powers of attorney and corporate documents.
- Medical reports and bank documents.
- Police clearance certificates and documents from other countries.
What it costs
The certification fee is fixed by regulation and calculated by word count: one rate for the first hundred words, a lower rate for each additional hundred up to a thousand, and a lower rate still beyond that; each additional copy is charged separately. Current figures are in the table on the notary services page. The translation work itself, where we carry it out, is quoted separately and in advance.
Apostille on the translation
A document heading for a foreign authority normally needs an apostille on the notarial certification, issued by the Magistrate’s Court. We run the whole chain — translation, certification and apostille — as one package, so what you receive is ready to submit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to come to the office for a translation?
Usually not. Certifying a translation does not require verifying your identity, so the document can be sent to us and the finished product returned. Attendance is needed when you sign an affidavit or a power of attorney.
How long does it take?
A short document is normally ready the same or the next working day. A large file or a technical text takes longer; we give a firm timeline once we see the material.
Will an Israeli notarial translation be accepted abroad?
Yes, with an apostille. Confirm with the receiving body in advance whether it requires certification of accuracy or accepts a translator's affidavit.
Can you certify a translation done by someone else?
We can, but a notary does not certify text he has not checked. The translation is compared against the original, and any corrections are made before certification.
Do you keep the original document?
No. The original is returned to you; the certification is issued with a verified copy of the document the translation was made from.
Which languages do you work in?
Hebrew, English, Russian and Ukrainian. For other languages we work through the translator's affidavit route with a professional translator.
Contact us
Tel Aviv, 125 Menachem Begin Rd (Kiryat HaMemshala), floor E2; Ashdod, 6 HaGdud HaIvri St, Top Sea Mall, 20th floor, office 9. Sunday to Thursday, 09:00–18:00, by appointment. Phone 08-8648090, WhatsApp 058-764-8090, yoffe.law@gmail.com.
