Document Translation for Croatian Citizenship
A guide to translating your Canadian documents for Croatian citizenship applications
What You Need to Know
- All Official Non-Croatian documents must be translated by a certified Croatian translator
- Translations must be done AFTER documents are apostilled (except for criminal record)
- Cost ~ 60 CAD per page / Processing time typically 3-7 business days
Documents That Need Translation
Birth Certificate
Your Canadian birth certificate
Marriage Certificate
If applicable to your application
Criminal Record Check
Police certificate showing no criminal record
Why Document Translation is Required
All documents submitted as part of your Croatian citizenship application must be in Croatian. This means your Canadian documents need to be translated by a certified translator who can provide an official translation that will be accepted by Croatian authorities.
The translation must be accurate and complete, including all stamps, seals, and notations on the original document. The translator must also certify that they are competent to translate from English to Croatian.
The Translation Process
Authenticate Your Documents
Before translation, make sure your documents (other than criminal record) have been properly authenticated with an apostille.Learn about the apostille process →
Find a Certified Translator
Choose a translator who is certified to translate documents from English to Croatian. They should be recognized by Croatian authorities.
Submit Documents for Translation
Provide clear copies of your authenticated documents to the translator. Some translators may require the original documents.
Receive Certified Translation
The translator will provide you with the translated documents along with a certification statement. This package is what you'll submit with your Croatian citizenship application.
Typical Translation Timeframe
3-7 business days for standard document translation
Rush services may be available from some translators at an additional cost
Certified Translators in Canada
Here are resources to help you find certified translators in Canada who can translate your documents from English to Croatian:
Provincial Translator Associations
- British Columbia - Society of Translators and Interpreters (STIBC)
Find certified translators in British Columbia
- Alberta - Association of Translators and Interpreters (ATIA)
Find certified translators in Alberta
- Saskatchewan - Association of Translators and Interpreters (ATIS)
Find certified translators in Saskatchewan
- Manitoba - Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (ATIM)
Find certified translators in Manitoba
More Provincial Associations
- Ontario - Association of Translators and Interpreters (ATIO)
Find certified translators in Ontario
- Quebec - Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés
Find certified translators in Quebec
- New Brunswick - Corporation of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (CTINB)
Find certified translators in New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia - Association of Translators and Interpreters (ATINS)
Find certified translators in Nova Scotia
Certified Translation Costs
The cost of certified translation from English to Croatian varies depending on the translator and the complexity of the document. Here's a general estimate of what you can expect to pay:
Typical Document Costs (Certified Translation):
- Birth Certificate: ~60 CAD
- Marriage Certificate: ~60 CAD
- Criminal Record Check: ~60 CAD
- Other documents: ~60 CAD per page
Additional Costs:
- Rush service: Additional 30-50%
For a typical Croatian citizenship application, you can expect to spend approximately 120-300 CAD on document translation, depending on how many documents you need to translate.
Common Questions
Do all documents need to be translated?
Yes, all official Canadian documents submitted as part of your Croatian citizenship application must have a certified translated Croatian copy. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record checks, etc...
Can I translate the documents myself?
No, you cannot translate the documents yourself. Croatian authorities require translations to be done by certified translators to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
How long does translation take?
Standard translation typically takes 3-7 business days per document. Rush services are often available but will cost more.
Do I need to translate my documents before or after apostille?
Yes, get your documents authenticated with an apostille first, then have them translated. This ensures that all stamps and certifications are included in the translation.
Do I need to certify my biography and personal motivation letter?
No, your biography and personal motivation letter do not need to be certified by a professional translator. These documents can be translated by you or someone you know, as long as they are well-written in Croatian. However, all official documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.) must have certified translations.
Need Help with Document Translation?
We can connect you with certified translators who specialize in Croatian citizenship applications, ensuring your documents are translated correctly and accepted by Croatian authorities.