The verdict in three sentences
A multilingual site is not a translated site: it's an i18n architecture designed from the start, with localized content and correct hreflang tags. For a London consulting firm in three languages (EN/FR/DE), budget 12,000 to 22,000 EUR (excl. tax) in 2026. Each extra language adds about +15 % to the technical budget, and specialist translation (legal, financial) costs 0.12 to 0.20 EUR per word.
What multilingual costs, language by language
The multilingual surcharge splits into three blocks: technical (i18n, hreflang), translation, and editorial maintenance. Here are the 2026 ranges.
| Configuration | Indicative price (excl. tax) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Monolingual (EN) | 9,000 to 14,000 EUR | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Bilingual (EN/FR) | 11,000 to 18,000 EUR | 7 to 10 weeks |
| Trilingual (EN/FR/DE) | 12,000 to 22,000 EUR | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Extra language | +15 % of technical | +1 to 2 weeks |
Each language's surcharge comes mainly from content duplication, proofreading and localized-URL handling, not from the base development.
Specialist translation and related line items
A consulting firm publishes expert content: generalist translation won't cut it. Here are the 2026 indicative costs of language-related items.
| Line item | Indicative 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| Specialist translation | 0.12 to 0.20 EUR/word |
| Native proofreading | 0.04 to 0.07 EUR/word |
| Hreflang configuration | 800 to 1,500 EUR |
| i18n handling (CMS) | 1,500 to 3,500 EUR |
| Multilingual maintenance | +30 to 50 % of mono retainer |
For an 8,000-word site in three languages, translation alone (2 target languages) represents about 2,000 to 3,200 EUR (excl. tax), proofreading included.
Mini case study
Marc, partner at a strategy consulting firm in London, wants a trilingual EN/FR/DE site to win clients in German-speaking Europe and internationally. The project is quoted at 17,000 EUR (excl. tax), including 3,000 EUR of translation and proofreading for 9,000 words of content. Delivered in 10 weeks, in its first year the site generates 14 qualified requests from the DE version. With an average engagement of 25,000 EUR and a 15 % close rate, that's 2 new engagements, i.e. 50,000 EUR of revenue attributable to the German version alone. The multilingual surcharge is recouped on the first signed engagement.
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FAQ
How much does a trilingual consulting-firm website cost?
Between 12,000 and 22,000 EUR (excl. tax) in 2026 for a professional EN/FR/DE site, with i18n, hreflang and localized content. Price depends on page count and content technicality.
What is the surcharge per extra language?
About +15 % of the technical budget per language, plus translation and proofreading. Adding Italian or Spanish to a trilingual site costs mostly in content.
How much does specialist translation cost?
0.12 to 0.20 EUR per word for legal or financial content, plus 0.04 to 0.07 EUR/word of native proofreading. An 8,000-word site is 2,000 to 3,200 EUR per language pair.
Is hreflang really essential?
Yes. Without correct hreflang, Google serves the wrong language to visitors and dilutes your international SEO. Its setup costs 800 to 1,500 EUR but protects the entire multilingual investment.
What timeline should I expect for a trilingual site?
8 to 12 weeks, versus 6 to 8 for a monolingual site. The critical path is producing and signing off content in each language, not development.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your target languages, page count and content volume to translate: we'll cost a multilingual site optimized for your international SEO. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
