Freelance Document Translator

Small businesses, agencies, law and immigration offices, community organizations and individuals who need documents translated.

Per word or per page, with higher rates for specialist or urgent work and a minimum fee for short jobs. Repeat clients and agency work can keep a steady flow.

• Near-native fluency in at least two languages
• Careful writing and proofreading
• Using translation software and tools
• Meeting deadlines

• Certified translations for official uses such as immigration or courts may require membership in a provincial translators' association, so check what applies in your province
• Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements, so check them if you work there
• Confidentiality of client documents, consider a written agreement
• Professional liability insurance for errors, and a home-based business licence if your municipality requires one
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on the translation software and tools you choose, any insurance, and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $4,500, depending on your language pair, the type of documents and how many clients you take on. You may start at about 8 hours a week and build up from there.

Check what applies in your province. Certified translations for official uses such as immigration or courts may require membership in a provincial translators' association. Also check Quebec's French-language rules if you work there, and confidentiality, insurance and GST/HST registration.