This article introduces the characterization of translated documents that the companies require to access the translation service in a global context. That is really important to define the particular features of the offered service. Taking it into account, it is vital to distinguish the translator`s competences that guarantee the conditions in which the translation is done. The translation service generally depends on the place where it is offered. That fact explains some special characteristics that identify the service. The service characterizations, as well as the context of the text pay a main role in determining the conditions in which the translation is carried out. The article begins with an introduction that defines particularities of the research. The methodology explains the methods used in the research. Next, it has an analysis of the theoretical key issues, and then the results obtained by the information sources. And finally the article ends up with conclusions. The main aim of this article is to determine the characteris tics of the documents required in the translation service by companies in Bogota. These points are considered: specialization level, the language used, difficulties presented and required competences of the translators.Este artículo presenta la importancia de la traducción, las particularidades del servicio prestado y las competencias del traductor en Bogotá, a partir del nuevo contexto global. Dependiendo del lugar en que se preste, el servicio de traducción genera unas características especiales que lo identifican con parámetros claros, por lo que la caracterización del servicio, según su entorno, es de vital importancia para poder determinar las condiciones en que se desarrolla.El principal objetivo del artículo es determinar las características de los documentos que las empresas en Bogotá requieren en el servicio de traducción, en cuanto a su grado de especialización