Certified translation and document legalisation in Benin
Official translations, apostilles, ministry and embassy legalisation, certified copies, powers of attorney, document retrieval and interpreters: we handle the whole chain, from Cotonou to Kandi, so your documents are accepted abroad the first time.
Services
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Certified translation
Official translations of civil records, diplomas and legal documents, accepted by authorities, universities and embassies.
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Apostille
Apostilles obtained in the country where your documents were issued, through our international network.
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Legalisation (ministry, consulate, embassy)
The complete legalisation chain: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the destination country's embassy or consulate.
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Certified true copies
Copies certified as true to the original by the competent authority, for study, employment or immigration files.
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Power of attorney
Drafting, translation, notarised signing and legalisation of powers of attorney to act in Benin or abroad.
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Document retrieval
We obtain civil records, police clearances, diplomas and registry extracts for you, in Benin and abroad.
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Interpreting
Liaison, consecutive and simultaneous interpreters for meetings, hearings, official appointments and conferences, on site or remote.
One contact for the whole chain
A Beninese document heading abroad usually passes through several hands: translator, notary or certifying authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the destination country's embassy or consulate. Get one step wrong and you start again. We check the exact order required by the organisation receiving your document, then carry out every step for you.
Requirements checked before we start
Every country and organisation has its own rules. We confirm them before you pay for anything.
An international network
ABC Translation has offices and partners in many countries to obtain apostilles, legalisations and documents at the source.
Your documents kept safe
Your files and originals are handled confidentially and used only for your file.
A clear quote
Every request is different, so you receive a detailed, free and no-obligation quote.
Anywhere in Benin
Based in Cotonou, we work across all twelve departments and collect your documents where they were issued.
Languages
International languages for certified translation:
Benin's national languages, mostly for interpreting:
Destination countries
Translation and legalisation requirements by country:
How your request works
You send us your documents
Through the form or by email: a legible scan or photo is enough to start.
We check the requirements
We confirm what the receiving organisation expects: type of translation, legalisation, apostille and the order of steps.
You receive a detailed quote
Price, turnaround and the list of formalities, with no obligation. Originals are only requested when a step needs them.
We handle the formalities
Translation, certification, ministry and embassy submissions: we follow every step and keep you informed.
You receive your documents
By email, in person in Cotonou, by courier within Benin or by international shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Beninese birth certificate be apostilled?
Not at present: since Benin is not a party to the Apostille Convention, its public documents go through legalisation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the destination country's embassy or consulate). We handle the whole chain.
What is the difference between legalisation and an apostille?
An apostille is a single formality between Hague Convention countries. Legalisation is a chain of several certifications (ministry, then embassy) used when one of the countries is not a member, which is currently the case for Benin.
What is the difference between a certified and a sworn translation?
A certified translation carries the translator's statement of accuracy. A sworn translation is produced by a translator who has taken an oath before a court and applies their official seal. We tell you which one the receiving organisation requires.
Do I need to come to Cotonou?
Usually not. You hand over your documents (in person, by courier or by post) and we take care of the formalities. Some embassies do require you in person for other procedures, such as a visa application.
How much does a certified translation cost?
The price depends on the language pair, length, subject matter and deadline. Send us your document through the form and you will receive a free, no-obligation quote.
Request your free quote
Tell us what you need and attach your documents if you can. We reply by email with a detailed quote and the list of steps.
Our prices depend on the document, language, formalities and deadline, so every request gets a free, no-obligation quote.