Specialised translation for exporting small businesses
Starting costs about $2,340 in the United States and 376,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,570 net per month in the United States and 602,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 5 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2,340 | $2,570 |
| Nigeria | 376,000 NGN | 602,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £1,580 | £1,830 |
| Kenya | 102,000 KES | 87,200 KES |
| India | 53,000 INR | 63,600 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Small companies selling abroad publish badly translated product sheets, contracts and websites, which drives customers away and causes costly misunderstandings.
The solution
A translation and proofreading service focused on one or two industries, using machine translation as a draft and expert human revision, with a saved client glossary.
Your customers
Exporting SMEs, online shops, manufacturers, travel agencies and firms that must communicate in a foreign language without an in-house translator.
How you make money
0.06 to 0.12 € per word, or a 300 to 900 € monthly package for a guaranteed volume of updates.
Competition
Freelance translator platforms, generalist translation agencies, free machine translation and bilingual staff translating themselves.
Who has an edge
A bilingual person with real industry knowledge (technical, legal, food, tourism) beats generalists because they master the vocabulary and reduce back-and-forth.
The risks
Strong price pressure from machine translation, dependence on a few large clients, liability if a contractual document contains an error.
The first 3 steps
- Pick an industry and language pair where you are credible
- Translate one page for free for three target companies
- Build a professional profile and a clear price list
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,600 − costs €800 = €1,800 net per month. Revenue: 25,000 words × €0.08 + 1 monthly package × €600. Costs: translation software, outsourced proofreading, insurance, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Translation for exporters?
About $2,340 (United States), 376,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,580 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,570 (United States), 602,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,830 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 5 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Strong price pressure from machine translation, dependence on a few large clients, liability if a contractual document contains an error.
Where do I start?
1. Pick an industry and language pair where you are credible 2. Translate one page for free for three target companies 3. Build a professional profile and a clear price list
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