Hebrew - English Sworn Translators, Johannesburg, South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Questions most people ask about Hebrew <-> English sworn tranlations, the legality, certifications, Apostile and what to submit according to authorities requierments.

Q: What is a sworn translation?
A: A sworn translation is a legally recognised translation, signed and stamped by a court-appointed translator. It’s required for official purposes like legal proceedings, visa applications, or academic submissions.

Q: Are your translations accepted by Home Affairs and foreign embassies?
A: Yes. As a sworn translator registered in South Africa, my translations are accepted by local authorities and most foreign embassies.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Turnaround times depend on document length and complexity, but most short documents are delivered within 1–2 working days.

Q: How do I submit my documents?
A: You can email a clear scan or photo of your documents. Originals may be required for certain cases.

Q: When is a Hebrew sworn translation required ?
A: For documents like birth/marriage certificates, diplomas, affidavits, etc.—these must be done by a High Court‑sworn translator.

Q: How many Sworn Translators Hebrew – English (HE>EN, EN>HE) are in South Africa ?
A: According to SATI registered members, there are only 2.

Q: Do I need to Apostil the translated documents ?
A: If you require to send them to any authority or organization in Israel or other countries, the documents needed to be apostiled.

Q: What is the cost to translate to Hebrew or English ?
A: There is a set tariff for and official document issued in South Africa or Israel. Other documents, it depends on the complexity of the pages set up, because we translate every pixel, logos, tables we see in the page.

Q: I need to translate proof of address.
A:  Usually its sufficient to translate: Name, Address, Service provider, Invoice number, Client number and Total invoice amount. If you need to translate the whole invoice, it requires a lot of page settings and translation of small words. This is more expensive task for the translators.

Q: What is a sworn translation?
A: A sworn translation is an official document performed by a translator who has taken an oath before the High Court of South Africa. It includes a signed declaration, the translator’s seal, and a stamp verifying that the translation is a true and faithful representation of the original.

Q: Are your translations accepted by Home Affairs and the Israeli Embassy?
A: Yes. Our translators are registered with the High Court, and our work is accepted by the South African Department of Home Affairs, the Israeli Embassy, and other international consulates.

Q: How long does the translation process take?
A: Standard documents (like birth certificates or IDs) typically take 1–2 business days. Larger legal contracts or academic transcripts may take longer depending on the word count and complexity.

Q: Do I need an Apostille for my translated documents?
A: If you are sending your South African documents to Israel or another foreign country, they usually require an Apostille from DIRCO or the High Court to be legally recognized abroad. We can advise you on this process during your quote.

Q: How do I get a quote?
A: You can email a clear scan or high-quality photo of your document to [Your Email Address]. We will provide a free, no-obligation quote based on the document type and urgency.

How to Apostille South African Documents for Use in Israel: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are preparing for Aliyah, marriage in Israel, or a business contract, simply having a Hebrew translation is often not enough. Because both South Africa and Israel are signatories to the Hague Convention, your documents must be “Apostilled” to be legally valid.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Document
Before you begin, you must identify if your document is Public or Private, as this determines where you go for your Apostille.
• Public Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, and matric certificates.
• Where to go: DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) in Pretoria.
• Private/Legal Documents: Powers of Attorney, wills, affidavits, or business contracts.
• Where to go: The High Court where the Notary Public is registered.

Step 2: The Sworn Translation (The Crucial Link)
Israeli authorities (especially the Ministry of Interior) usually require documents that are not in Hebrew or English to be translated by a High Court Sworn Translator.
1. We provide the sworn translation.
2. We attach our Translator’s Affidavit and official stamp.
3. Note: It is often best to Apostille the original document first, then have the translation done, as the translation may also need its own authentication.
H2: Step 3: Getting the Apostille Certificate
• At DIRCO: There is currently no fee for an Apostille, but the wait times can be long (often 4–8 weeks via courier).
• At the High Court: This is usually faster (1–3 days) but requires your document to be notarized by a Notary Public first.

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