Translation agency vs freelance translator
Sworn status always rests with the individual translator, never with an agency. At Beëdigde Vertaling Online we work only with Rbtv-registered translators and add quality control, continuity and a single point of contact. For sworn translations, Beëdigde Vertaling Online offers more certainty than an unknown freelancer.
Do you need a sworn translation and wonder whether to order through us or go straight to a freelance translator? This page sets out the main differences side by side, so you can make a considered choice.
Beëdigde Vertaling Online vs freelance translator — comparison
Compare the main pros and cons of Beëdigde Vertaling Online and a freelance translator for sworn translations
| Feature | Beëdigde Vertaling Online | Freelance translator |
|---|---|---|
| Sworn-status assurance | We work only with Rbtv-registered translators | Depends on the individual translator; verification via the Rbtv required |
| Capacity and languages | Our network covers translators in dozens of languages | Limited to their own language pairs |
| Quality control (four-eyes) | Double check by a second translator as standard | Usually no systematic second check |
| Continuity and liability | We are your fixed point of contact for questions or complaints | The translator alone is personally liable |
| Ordering online | Straightforward through our online platform, available 24/7 | Varies, depending on the translator's way of working |
| Price (first page) | €39 (Dutch ↔ English/French), €59 other languages, fixed rate | Varies, often comparable or higher for sworn translations |
Ready to continue? Acceptance guarantee, Rbtv-sworn, a reply within one working hour.
Key concepts explained
What is a sworn translator?
A sworn translator is a translator who has taken the oath before a Dutch court and is entered in the Rbtv (Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators). Sworn status is personal: it is always the individual translator who is sworn, not the agency or organisation they work for.
The Sworn Interpreters and Translators Act (Wbtv) sets requirements for the competence, integrity and reliability of sworn translators. Bureau Wbtv keeps the register on behalf of the Legal Aid Board and supervises compliance.
Source: Bureau Wbtv — Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators · Last updated:
Is the sworn status held by the agency or the translator?
Sworn status always rests with the individual translator, never with the agency. A translation agency is not itself sworn, but works with translators who are. Whether you order through an agency or directly from a freelancer, you should always check that the translator carrying out the work is entered in the Rbtv.
At Beëdigde Vertaling Online we work only with Rbtv-registered translators. On request we provide the name and registration number of the translator handling your work.
Source: Bureau Wbtv · Last updated:
How do I check whether a translator is sworn?
You can search the Rbtv (Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators) through the Bureau Wbtv website. Search by name or language pair to verify that the translator is registered and authorised for the direction you need.
A translator who is not registered may not produce sworn translations. A translation from a non-Rbtv translator is rejected by government authorities. Always check before placing an order.
Source: Bureau Wbtv · Last updated:
What do we add compared with a freelancer?
At Beëdigde Vertaling Online we offer, alongside the translation itself, additional services: quality control by a second translator, continuity in case of illness or absence, a fixed point of contact for questions and complaints, document management with tracking, and the ability to handle several languages at once.
For sworn translations of a legal or official nature, our systematic four-eyes check is particularly valuable. Errors in sworn translations can lead to the rejection of applications by government authorities.
Source: Rijksoverheid · Last updated:
Is a translation through Beëdigde Vertaling Online legally valid?
Yes, a sworn translation you order from us is fully legally valid. The translator carrying out the work is entered in the Rbtv and the translation carries their sworn statement and official stamp. As the commissioning party, we safeguard quality and completeness.
The translation bears the name, sworn statement and stamp of the individual Rbtv translator. Government authorities assess the translation on the translator's status, not on the agency's name.
Source: Rechtspraak.nl · Last updated:
When do you choose an agency and when a freelancer?
Choose Beëdigde Vertaling Online when you need a sworn translation for official purposes, when quality control matters, or when you want several documents in different languages translated at once. Choose a freelancer when you have built a long-standing working relationship with a known, Rbtv-registered translator.
For occasional jobs, or when you have not yet verified a translator's Rbtv status, we offer more certainty and a fixed point of contact.
Last updated:
What does a sworn translation cost at Beëdigde Vertaling Online?
With us you pay €39 for the first page for Dutch–English or Dutch–French, and €59 for the first page for all other language pairs. The price covers the sworn statement, the official stamp and the signature; a digital copy and shipping are separate options.
We work only with Rbtv-registered translators and apply quality control systematically. A reply to your request follows within one working hour. We have delivered more than 100,000 translations.
Last updated:
Frequently asked questions
May a translation agency issue a sworn translation itself?
No, a translation agency as an entity is not sworn and cannot issue a sworn translation itself. Only the individual Rbtv-registered translator who carried out the translation can sign the sworn statement and place the official stamp.
How do I know which translator translated my document?
The sworn translation states the name, sworn statement and stamp of the translator who carried out the work. On request we also provide the translator's Rbtv registration number, so you can verify their status yourself.
Is it cheaper to order directly from a freelance translator?
Not necessarily. Rates for sworn translations are often comparable for freelancers and agencies, because both work with Rbtv-registered translators. We offer additional services such as quality control and a fixed point of contact at no extra charge.
How quickly does Beëdigde Vertaling Online respond to a request?
We aim to answer every request within one working hour. You receive a confirmation and a price quote for your specific document and language pair.
Do you offer express delivery?
Yes, we offer express delivery in 2–3 working days. For most common document types and language pairs, express is available. Ask about the options when you submit your request.
What happens if the translator is ill or drops out?
Ordering with us gives you the certainty of continuity. If the primary translator is ill or drops out, we bring in another Rbtv-registered translator straight away, with no delay for you. With an individual freelancer you do not have this safety net.
Can I have several languages translated at once at Beëdigde Vertaling Online?
Yes, our network covers Rbtv-registered translators in dozens of languages. You can request several documents or languages in a single order. With an individual freelancer you are limited to their own language pairs.
Does the IND accept translations from Beëdigde Vertaling Online?
Yes, the IND accepts sworn translations from any Rbtv-registered translator, whether they work through an agency or as a freelancer. What matters is the status of the translator carrying out the work, not the agency's name.
How does quality control work at Beëdigde Vertaling Online?
Every translation goes through a systematic four-eyes check: the primary Rbtv translator produces the translation, after which a second certified translator checks the text for accuracy, completeness and language use. This two-layer process safeguards the quality of every document.
Can I check a freelance translator's status myself?
Yes, through the Rbtv register on the Bureau Wbtv website (bureauwbtv.nl) you can check free of charge whether a translator is registered for the language pair you need. We recommend always doing this with an unknown freelancer.
What exactly does a sworn translator do?
A sworn translator translates official documents and adds a signed sworn statement and an official stamp to the translation. With these they declare that the translation is a faithful rendering of the original. Only Rbtv-registered translators are authorised to issue sworn translations.
Where do I find a sworn translator?
You can find a sworn translator through the Rbtv register at bureauwbtv.nl, or by ordering from a translation agency that works only with Rbtv-registered translators. At Beëdigde Vertaling Online we take the selection and verification of the translator off your hands.
Do translators have to be certified for official documents?
Yes, for official purposes, such as documents for the IND, courts or Nuffic, Rbtv sworn status is legally required. Translators without sworn status may not issue official sworn translations, and their translations are not accepted by government authorities.
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