Guide · Certified translations
Can the Jobcenter or Employment Agency pay for translation costs?
You may need translations for recognition of qualifications or employment purposes. Check possible funding before placing a paid order.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Translation costs may qualify for support under certain conditions. The responsible organisation assesses your case. The Federal Employment Agency specifically advises checking funding before commissioning translation. A free initial estimate is neither funding approval nor a binding translation order.
Who should you ask?
Contact your adviser at the Jobcenter or Employment Agency and explain the purpose. Is it recognition of a qualification, a particular job application or another procedure? This helps identify the relevant funding route.
Other programmes may also be relevant to professional recognition depending on your circumstances. The Recognition in Germany portal provides an overview. Information about a programme is not an individual promise to pay your costs.
Read more: Recognition in Germany: financial support
Prepare the quotation the funder needs
Assemble the requested documents, source and target languages and certification requirements. Ask the funding organisation which details the quotation must contain and whether comparison quotations are required. Include the recognition body’s checklist or explanation of the employment purpose.
Tell us beforehand if a formal quotation needs particular document descriptions, recipient details or cost items. Our free initial estimate helps with orientation; if you need a formal offer, agree its scope with us.
Separate funding approval from the translation order
Do not place a paid order simply because funding has been mentioned in an informal discussion. Establish which confirmation or decision your case needs beforehand and which cost items it covers.
After approval, check the amount, documents, invoice recipient and payment process. Changes in scope should be agreed again. Possible funding does not automatically require a translation provider to invoice an authority directly.
Read more: Federal Employment Agency: recognition and translation costs
Your next steps
Identify the purpose and responsible funding organisation.
Collect the document list and translation requirements.
Ask what form of quotation is needed.
Agree approval, invoicing and payment arrangements before ordering.
More questions
Is Jobcenter payment guaranteed?
No. The responsible organisation assesses eligibility, responsibility and scope for the individual case.
Can I order first and ask for funding afterwards?
Check first. The Federal Employment Agency advises contacting it before commissioning a translation.
Does an estimate submit a funding application?
No. An estimate, a funding application and an order with us are separate steps.
Sources and further reading
- Federal Employment Agency: recognition and translation costs
- Recognition in Germany: financial support
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
Prepare your documents and requirements
Start with a free initial estimate or discuss any special requirements with us.
Free, no registration and not yet an order.