Frequently Asked Questions
Accurate •Confidential • Ethical
Based in South Africa • Delivering Translations Worldwide
Professional Translation Services You Can Trust
Accurate • Confidential • Ethical
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of documents do you translate?
We translate legal, medical, immigration, business, academic, educational and personal documents. This includes contracts, certificates, examination papers, school materials, reports, transcripts, official records and correspondence. Please contact us if your document is not listed.
Which languages do you offer
Our available language combinations include Afrikaans and English, some African languages, as well as selected services involving French, German, Portuguese and Spanish. Additional languages may be available depending on the document and the availability of a suitably qualified language professional. Please provide the required source and target languages when requesting a quotation.
Do you provide certified translations?
Certified translations are available for qualifying documents and language combinations. Please tell us which authority or organisation will receive the translation so that we can confirm the relevant certification requirements before accepting the project.
Will my translation be accepted by an official institution?
Requirements differ between government departments, universities, courts, immigration authorities and other institutions. We recommend confirming the receiving authority’s exact requirements before requesting the translation. Although we prepare translations according to the information supplied, final acceptance remains at the discretion of the receiving institution.
Do you translate immigration and visa documents?
Yes. We translate birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, academic records, supporting statements and other documents used in immigration and visa applications. Please tell us the destination country and receiving authority when requesting a quotation.
Do you translate examination papers and educational material?
Yes. We translate examination papers, assessments, worksheets, study guides, school reports, learning materials and other educational content. Every project is handled confidentially and with careful attention to subject terminology, instructions, formatting and educational level.
Do you translate diplomas, transcripts and academic records?
Yes. We translate diplomas, certificates, transcripts, academic records and supporting educational documents for admissions, credential evaluations and other official purposes. Certification can be discussed where required.
Do you offer proofreading and editing services?
Yes. We provide proofreading and editing for manuscripts, reports, educational materials, business documents, website content and other written work. Depending on your needs, we can correct spelling and grammar or provide more detailed improvements to clarity, structure, tone and consistency.
How do I request a quotation?
Complete our quotation form or contact us directly and attach a clear copy of the document. Please include the source language, required target language, intended use and preferred completion date. We will review the material and provide a written quotation before work begins.
How is the cost of a translation calculated?
The cost depends on factors such as the language combination, word count, document complexity, subject matter, formatting, certification requirements and turnaround time. Urgent or highly specialised work may carry an additional charge. All costs will be explained in your quotation.
How long will my translation take?
Turnaround time depends on the length, complexity, language combination and formatting requirements of the document. We will provide an estimated completion date with your quotation and will not begin until the quotation has been approved.
Can you assist with urgent translations?
Urgent translations may be accommodated depending on the document, language combination and translator availability. Please indicate your deadline when requesting a quotation. An urgent-service fee may apply and will be disclosed before work begins.
How should I send my documents?
Documents can be submitted through our secure online form or sent using the contact method provided on our website. Clear PDF files or high-quality scans are preferred. Photographs must be complete, in focus and clear enough for every word, stamp and handwritten entry to be read.
Are my documents and personal information kept confidential?
Yes. We treat client documents and personal information as confidential and process them only for the purpose of providing the requested service. Appropriate safeguards are used when documents must be shared with a language professional or authorised service provider. Further information is available in our Privacy Policy and POPIA Compliance Declaration.
Do you use artificial intelligence or automated translation?
Our services are centred on human language expertise. Translation work is handled and reviewed by suitably qualified language professionals, with attention to context, terminology, tone and intended purpose. We do not deliver unreviewed machine-generated translations as completed professional work.
Will you preserve the layout of my original document?
We make every reasonable effort to reproduce the original structure and formatting. Complex layouts, handwritten content, damaged documents, specialised graphics or non-editable files may require additional formatting work. Any significant formatting limitations or charges will be discussed before the project begins.
Can you translate handwritten documents?
We may be able to translate clearly written handwritten documents. Legibility must first be assessed, and unclear portions may need to be marked as illegible or confirmed with the client. Please send a high-quality scan or photograph for review.
Do you assist clients outside South Africa?
Yes. Carlow Translations can assist individuals, businesses and organisations in South Africa and internationally. Services are delivered remotely, and completed documents can generally be supplied electronically.
What happens after I approve the quotation?
Once you accept the quotation and meet any stated payment or document requirements, we will confirm the project and scheduled completion date. The translation will then be completed, reviewed and delivered using the agreed method.
How will I receive my completed translation?
Completed translations are normally delivered electronically in the agreed file format. If a printed, signed or certified hard copy is required, please mention this when requesting your quotation. Courier or delivery charges may apply.
What payment methods do you accept?
Available payment methods and payment terms will be stated on your quotation or invoice. Work may only begin once any required deposit or advance payment has been received.
What if I find an error or need a correction?
Please contact us as soon as possible and identify the section you believe requires attention. We will review genuine translation or formatting errors and correct them in accordance with our Terms and Conditions. Changes to the original document or instructions provided after completion may be treated as additional work.
Can I send an updated document after the translation has started?
Please notify us immediately if the original document changes. Additional or amended content may affect the price and completion date. We will confirm any revised costs or deadlines before continuing with the new material.
Why should I choose Carlow Translations?
We combine qualified language expertise with more than 20 years of experience in editing, education and written communication. Every project receives personal attention and is handled with care, accuracy, confidentiality and respect for its intended purpose.
Qualified Language Professionals
Every translation is completed by a suitably qualified language professional, with careful attention to accuracy, terminology, tone and purpose. We do not rely on automated AI translation.
Over 20 Years of Language Experience
Decades of experience in editing, teaching and written communication bring a practiced eye for meaning, clarity and detail to every assignment.
Qualified Expertise, Trusted Service
Professional credentials and genuine client testimonials reflect our commitment to accurate work, personal attention and dependable service.