From Email to DHL Express: How Certified Translations in Croatia Work for International Clients

Clients who need certified translations in Croatia often assume that the process involves sending original documents abroad or travelling in person.
In practice, certified translations in Croatia are usually completed without sending original documents at all.

For international clients, the standard procedure is simple and efficient: documents are sent by email as scans, and completed certified translations are delivered by DHL Express.

This article explains how the process works, when original documents are required, and why this approach is both secure and widely accepted.

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Step 1: Sending document scans by email

Cooperation begins with scans or high-quality photos of documents sent by email.
This allows the translator to review the documents and confirm:

• whether a certified translation is required
• whether scans are sufficient or an original is needed
• the scope of work, turnaround time and price

In the majority of cases, certified translations in Croatia are prepared based on document scans, which are then bound to the translation and accepted by the relevant authorities.

This means that clients do not need to send original documents unless they are specifically requested.

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Step 2: Preparing certified, bound translations in Croatia

Once the documentation is confirmed, the certified translation is prepared in accordance with Croatian regulations.
The translation is officially certified and physically bound, ensuring legal validity for use before authorities in Croatia or abroad.

The binding clearly links the translation to the source document and includes the required certification elements.

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Step 3: When are original documents required?

A frequent concern among international clients is whether original documents must be sent to Croatia.
In practice, this is not the standard procedure.

Original documents are required only in specific cases, when an institution explicitly requests that the original document be physically bound to the certified translation.

This depends on:

• the authority requesting the translation
• the type of procedure involved
• the country where the documents will be submitted

Clients are always advised in advance if originals are required, so unnecessary shipping is avoided.

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Certified translations for Croatian citizenship applications

One of the most common reasons clients request certified translations in Croatia is Croatian citizenship applications.

These procedures typically involve documents such as:

• birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• criminal record certificates
• court decisions or official statements

In many citizenship cases, translations are prepared based on document scans, and original documents are not required.
When originals are explicitly requested, this is clarified before any documents are sent.

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Step 4: Delivery of certified translations by DHL Express

Once the certified translation is completed and bound, it is sent to the client by DHL Express.

DHL Express is the preferred option for international delivery because it offers:

• fast and predictable delivery times
• shipment tracking
• a high level of security for official documents

This ensures that clients receive their certified translations safely, regardless of their location.

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A remote, efficient and legally compliant process

This procedure allows international clients to complete the entire certified translation process from abroad, without travelling or sending original documents unnecessarily.

In most cases, the steps are:

• email submission of document scans
• preparation of certified, bound translations in Croatia
• delivery of completed translations by DHL Express

This approach is particularly suitable for international clients, Croatian citizenship applicants, expatriates and members of the Croatian diaspora.

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Certified translator in Croatia – clear procedure, no unnecessary steps

Each case is assessed individually, with the aim of providing the simplest solution that meets official requirements.

If you are unsure whether your case requires original documents or whether scans are sufficient, a short email inquiry is usually enough to clarify the procedure before anything is sent.