Writing Invoice Template

Free Interpreter Invoice Template

Invoice clients for conference interpreting, court interpreting, and business interpreting services. Get paid on time with Tidybill.

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What is an Interpreter invoice?

An interpreter invoice documents fees for oral language interpretation services in settings including courts, hospitals, business meetings, conferences, and community services. Unlike translators who work with written text, interpreters convert spoken language in real-time (simultaneous interpreting) or after each segment (consecutive interpreting). Simultaneous interpreting for conferences is highly skilled work requiring specialist booths and equipment. Legal interpreting for courts and immigration tribunals is regulated in the UK and interpreters must be registered with approved frameworks. Medical interpreting in NHS settings is typically contracted at set rates. Community and business interpreting for individual clients is invoiced at day rates or half-day rates.

What to include on an Interpreter invoice

Common interpreter invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Conference Interpreting (simultaneous, per day) £400 - £1,200 per day
Court / Legal Interpreting (per half-day) £150 - £400 per half-day
Business Meeting Interpreting (consecutive) £200 - £600 per day
Medical Interpreting (per appointment) £60 - £150 per appointment
Phone / Video Interpreting (per hour) £40 - £100 per hour
Travel & Waiting Time At standard rate per hour

How to invoice as an interpreter

For legal and court interpreting, invoice promptly after each booking with Net 14 terms. For conference interpreting, invoice 50% upfront and 50% on completion. Include a late cancellation clause (typically 50-100% of the agreed fee if cancelled within 24-48 hours). Travel time and waiting time should be invoiced at an agreed rate specified in your terms. For NHS and public sector clients, follow their approved procurement and invoicing processes.

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Frequently asked questions

What rates do court interpreters charge in the UK?
Court interpreters working through the Ministry of Justice's approved framework have set rates. Independent court interpreters charge £150-£400 per half-day depending on language rarity and experience. Rare language interpreters command significantly higher rates due to supply constraints.
Can I charge for waiting time at court or in medical settings?
Yes. Waiting time at court (due to late starts, delays) is compensable. Many interpreters charge at their standard hourly rate for waiting time beyond the first 30 minutes. Include your waiting time policy in your standard terms so clients know in advance.
Do interpreters need to be certified or registered?
For legal work in courts, UK interpreters must be registered with the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) or on approved Ministry of Justice frameworks. For other contexts, Chartered Linguist status from CIOL or membership of ITI is a recognised professional standard. Include your registration on your invoices.
How do I handle late cancellations from court or medical bookings?
Include a cancellation policy in your standard terms. Court and medical bookings are blocked time for which you turn down other work. A 50% cancellation fee for cancellations within 24 hours and 100% for same-day cancellations is reasonable. Legal and public sector clients are often familiar with and accept such policies.
Can I provide interpreting over video or phone and invoice the same rate?
Remote interpreting (video or phone) can be invoiced at a slightly lower rate than in-person interpreting since travel is eliminated. However, the interpreting skill and cognitive demand are identical. Many interpreters charge the same hourly rate but do not charge minimum booking fees or travel costs for remote assignments.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Interpreter invoice template straight away after signing up.