Diploma legalisation and translation can form part of preparing education records for work or study abroad. Artel-22 has provided translation and legalisation services in Sofia since 1999. Send your diploma, its attachments and the receiving institution’s instructions so we can discuss the relevant work.
Diploma legalisation: start with the complete record
We translate university diplomas, transcripts, school diplomas and education certificates. Include both sides of each document and every attachment requested by the recipient. Tell us the original language, target language and country where the documents will be presented.
If names are written differently across your records, flag this in your message. Keep separate qualifications in clearly named files. A complete initial request is more useful than a photograph of the diploma’s front page alone.
Education apostilles are issued by NACID
NACID, the National Centre for Information and Documentation, is the competent Bulgarian authority for education apostilles within its remit. Its service directory distinguishes school and higher-education services. The HCCH authority list confirms its role.
If you have been told to obtain “Ministry of Education certification”, clarify which service is actually intended. Do not assume that every diploma follows an identical route through the school, ministry and translation agency. The document and destination determine the checks needed.
Preparing a Bulgarian diploma for use abroad
- Obtain the recipient’s instructions, including the required document format and translation language.
- Check the document’s details and whether it can be verified through the relevant official register.
- Establish whether an apostille or another authentication route is needed, taking applicable exemptions into account.
- Arrange translation of the required document set and any required signature certification.
NACID’s current descriptions for school education and higher education distinguish register-verifiable records from documents for which originals must be presented. Electronic service availability is also conditional on the service requirements.
Ask the overseas institution whether it accepts a translation made in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian MFA recommends checking this before commissioning a certified translation for use abroad.
Originals, copies and representation
A scan is useful for discussing the order, but does not establish that a scan alone will satisfy the authority. Tell us whether you have the original, where it is, and whether you already hold an authenticated copy. We can then clarify the physical documents needed for the requested service.
If someone else will submit documents on your behalf, confirm the applicable representation requirements before preparing authorisation. We do not apply one universal power-of-attorney requirement to every education service.
Foreign qualifications being used in Bulgaria
Authentication requirements depend on the issuing country, the receiving institution and the procedure. Check the relevant apostille, legalisation or exemption route before sending documents. Translation into Bulgarian and the translator’s signature certification are separate matters to clarify.
Academic recognition is also separate from translation and authentication. NACID handles recognition for specified purposes, while universities decide recognition for continuing studies. The NACID recognition FAQ explains this distinction. Artel-22’s service here is translation and legalisation, not an academic-recognition decision.
If an employer or university has sent you a checklist, forward it with the records. State whether you are applying for admission, presenting qualifications to an employer or following another procedure. That context helps keep the translation request focused on the documents actually needed.
Timing and receiving your documents
The authority determines its processing time; translation and delivery must also be allowed for. Give us the recipient’s deadline, not just your preferred dispatch date. If you need a paper set delivered abroad, include the destination address in your request.
Check that transcripts and supporting pages are included before agreeing the scope. Where you have several qualifications, identify which ones the recipient has requested rather than assuming every record needs the same treatment.
How it works
- Send the document by email, bring it to the office or use a courier. Include all relevant pages, the target language, intended use and deadline.
- Receive an individual quote and timeframe for the agreed work. Clarify the document set, certifications and delivery format before confirming.
- The agreed translation or legalisation is carried out. Requirements for submission to an institution are considered under the applicable procedure.
- Receive the completed work at the office, by courier or electronically, depending on the service. Tell us in advance if the recipient needs paper documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need my original diploma?
That depends on the document and the relevant verification route. Start with a readable scan and explain what originals or copies you hold.
Can I use a courier?
Yes, documents can be sent and returned by courier. Agree the required contents and delivery arrangements before dispatching originals.
How long will the full service take?
The timeframe depends on the administrative steps, translation and delivery. We discuss it after seeing the documents and the requested work.
Does an apostille mean my qualification is recognised?
No: authentication of origin and academic recognition are separate. Ask the competent recognition body or receiving university about its own procedure.
Should the transcript be translated too?
Send it with the diploma and the recipient’s checklist. This lets us discuss the complete translation scope instead of assuming that the diploma alone is enough.
Price
Each translation is priced individually, depending on the document type and length, the language and the deadline. Send the document for a quote and specify whether you also need certification, legalisation or delivery. Specialist texts and urgent work affect pricing; larger volumes may qualify for a discount.
Send us your documents for a quote
Call +359 888 508 152 or +359 2 98 642 55, email artel22@gmail.com, or visit our contact page.
Office: Sveta Sofia Street 8, 3rd Floor, 1301 Sofia. Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:30; closed Saturday and Sunday. Completed translations can be received electronically or delivered by courier in Bulgaria or abroad; confirm the format required by the recipient.
