Free invoice template
Free translation invoice template
Translators bill by the word, but also by the page, the hour and the certificate. An invoice should say which language pair, how many words and at what rate, so a project manager at an agency can pass it through their system without questions. The template below mixes the most common lines for a legal document project.
Edit it for your own languages and save the PDF from this page. No account, and nothing is uploaded. If you also write or edit in your own language, you may like the freelance writing template.
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The lines are examples for translators. Change anything, add your details and download the PDF. Nothing you type leaves this browser.
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Invoice total:
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What goes on it
What to put on an invoice for translators
- The language pair and the direction, such as Italian to English
- The job or purchase order number the client gave you
- The word count and how it was counted, with the rate per word
- Services other than translation: proofreading, editing, review of a draft
- Rush, weekend or specialist surcharges as their own lines
- Certification, notarization or sworn translation fees
- Payment terms and your payment details, plus any tax form the agency needs
How you bill
How translators bill
The per-word rate is the standard, set by language pair and by the type of text: legal, medical and technical translation cost more than general text. Proofreading and review are priced lower, often per word or per hour. Documents like certificates are sold per page or as a flat fee. Minimum fees are common for very short jobs.
Agencies pay on terms from 30 to 60 days and often require a job number and a specific invoice format. Direct clients tend to pay faster. Always state the word count, the rate and the language pair on the invoice, and add surcharges for urgent work as separate lines. Agency clients that send a monthly stream of jobs may be happy with one invoice per month listing every job.
Get paid faster
Tips to get paid faster
- Put the job number on the invoice. Agencies often cannot pay without it.
- Say how the word count was done. Source or target, with or without repetitions, can change the total.
- Charge a minimum fee for short texts. A 120 word job still takes setup time.
- Bill rush work with a clear surcharge, and agree it before accepting.
- Chase agencies politely but firmly with a payment reminder, and keep your tax paperwork ready.
Watch out
Common invoice mistakes
- Billing target words when the contract says source words, or the reverse
- Forgetting to add the surcharge you quoted for urgent work
- Sending a monthly invoice with several jobs and no job numbers
Save, send and get paid
Save, send and get paid with Jiffy.
This generator makes one PDF. The Jiffy app keeps every invoice, sends it for you and helps you get paid. Start on Free: 3 invoices a month, no end date.
A payment link on every invoice
Your client opens the invoice and pays by card or Apple Pay on Pro and Ultra, straight to your own Stripe account. On Free they pay by bank transfer with your details. Online payments
Reminders that chase for you
Send a reminder with one tap on every plan. Pro and Ultra add an automatic schedule that stops the moment the invoice is paid. Payment reminders
Estimates your client signs
Send an estimate, let your client sign it on their phone, then turn it into an invoice with one tap. Included in Free. Estimates
Invoice by voice on Ultra
Say the client, the work and the price. Jiffy writes the invoice and sends it when you tap. Voice invoicing
Other trades
Templates for other trades
More for your trade
FAQ
Questions
What should a translation invoice include?
Your details, the client, the job number, the language pair, the word count and rate, any proofreading or rush fees, certification, the total, the due date and payment details.
How do I bill per word?
Add a line with the word count as the quantity and the per-word rate as the price. The total is worked out for you.
Should I charge a minimum?
Yes, for short jobs. A minimum fee covers the time it takes to read, set up and deliver even a short text.
Is this translation invoice template free?
Yes. Fill it in and download the PDF with no account.
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Whatever you do, get paid for it.
Start free with 3 invoices a month, quotes and e-signatures. Free has no end date.