How much does it cost to Translate 1000 words?

If you need to translate a document from English to Arabic (or any other language), one of the first questions you probably have is: “How much will it cost?” That’s a smart question to ask! Whether you need a birth certificate translated for a visa, a business contract, or a website for your company, knowing the price helps you plan your budget.

Let’s break down the cost of translating 1,000 words in Saudi Arabia in the simplest way possible!

The Short Answer

For 1,000 words, you can expect to pay between SAR 150 and SAR 600, depending on several important factors . That’s roughly the cost of a nice family dinner or a new video game!

But why such a big range? Let’s look at what affects the price.

Translation Pricing Methods

Translation companies in Saudi Arabia usually charge in one of two ways:

1. Per-Page Pricing (Most Common)

Most translation offices charge by the “page.” A standard page usually contains about 250 to 300 words . So for 1,000 words, you need about 4 pages.

Here’s what local translation offices charge per page:

Document Type	Price Per Page	Price for 1,000 Words (4 pages)
Standard documents (certificates, letters)	SAR 40 – SAR 75	SAR 160 – SAR 300
Business documents (contracts, reports)	SAR 75 – SAR 100	SAR 300 – SAR 400
Specialized documents (legal, medical, technical)	SAR 100 – SAR 150	SAR 400 – SAR 600

These prices match what local translation companies in Saudi Arabia advertise. For example, one certified translation office in Riyadh charges SAR 40-100 per page depending on the document type .

2. Per-Word Pricing (For Freelancers)

Some freelance translators charge by the word instead of by the page. Looking at professional translators in Saudi Arabia:

Experienced translators charge about €0.10 to €0.16 per word (approximately SAR 0.40 – SAR 0.65)
Newer translators may charge €0.06 to €0.10 per word (approximately SAR 0.24 – SAR 0.40)

At these rates:

1,000 words = SAR 240 – SAR 650

Some freelancers on platforms like Fiverr offer even lower rates, like $5 for 200 words (about SAR 75 for 1,000 words) . However, these may not be certified translations accepted by official authorities.

What Makes the Price Go Up or Down?

Not all translations are the same. Here’s what affects the final price:

Factors That Increase Cost:

Factor	Why It Costs More
Document Type	Legal contracts, medical reports, and technical manuals need special experts
Language Rarity	Rare languages cost 20-50% more than common ones like English or Arabic
Urgency	Need it today? Rush jobs can cost 50% extra
Certification	Official stamps and signatures for government use add to the price
Formatting	Complex layouts (tables, charts) take extra work

Factors That Lower Cost:

Factor	Why It Costs Less
Large Volume	Many companies give discounts for big projects (5,000+ words)
Simple Content	Basic personal documents are faster to translate
Regular Customers	Returning clients often get better rates

Real Examples from Saudi Arabia

Let’s look at actual prices from translation offices in Saudi Arabia:

From Noor Cultural Translation (Riyadh):

Translate a standard page (English ↔ Arabic): SAR 40-75
Medical report page: SAR 45
Legal document page: SAR 80-100

From Rawnaq Al-Ebdaa Translation:

Standard page: SAR 40-120
Specialized page: SAR 100-150

From a professional translator in Riyadh:

Per-word rate: €0.10-0.16 (about SAR 0.40-0.65)

Tips to Get the Best Value

Here’s some friendly advice to help you save money and get quality translation:

Ask for a Quote First: Always ask for a detailed quote before agreeing to any work. Good translation companies will give you a clear price upfront .
Check What’s Included: Does the price include:
- Certification and stamp?
- Proofreading by a second translator?
- Delivery in your preferred format (Word, PDF)?
Plan Ahead: If you don’t need it urgently, standard delivery (24-48 hours) costs less than rush service .
Use Translation Memory: Some companies store your translated text to reuse words and phrases. This saves money on future projects!
Verify for Official Use: For government documents like visas for USA, Canada, or UK travel, you absolutely need certified translation from an official office. Freelance rates may be cheaper but won’t be accepted .
Check for VAT: In Saudi Arabia, prices may or may not include the 15% VAT. Always ask for the final price including tax .

Conclusion

For most people in Saudi Arabia needing 1,000 words translated from English to Arabic, you should budget between SAR 250 and SAR 400 for good quality, certified translation. For simple documents, you might pay less. For complex legal or medical papers, expect to pay more.

The most important thing is not just finding the cheapest price, but finding a trusted translation partner who delivers accurate, officially accepted work. At Riwaaq Al-Ma’arifaa, we offer transparent pricing, certified translations, and friendly service for all your document needs—whether for visas, business, or personal use.

Need a translation quote? Contact us today and we’ll give you a clear price with a smile!