Commonly used for
- UKVI and Home Office supporting documents
- Passport and identity-related applications
- University and professional-body submissions
- Employment, banking and administrative procedures
- Legal, immigration and civil-status documents
Certified document translation for official use
Official Translation Services for UK and Overseas Use
Choose from certified, notarised, sworn and apostille-related translation routes for personal, legal, academic, immigration and business documents. Send your files with the receiving authority’s instructions so the appropriate service can be confirmed before work begins.
The receiving organisation sets the final requirements. Include any checklist, application guidance, requested wording or destination-country instructions when sending your documents.
Four official routes
Certified, notarised, sworn and apostille or legalisation support
100+ languages
Language support for personal, professional and official documents
Clear document review
Send your files, destination, deadline and receiving-body instructions
Selecting the correct service
The Required Route Depends on Where the Document Is Going
A birth certificate, degree, contract or passport can require different treatment depending on the receiving country and organisation. The document type alone does not always determine whether a certified, notarised or sworn translation is needed.
Start with the receiving authority’s written instructions. Look for specific references to certification, notarisation, sworn translators, apostilles, legalisation, original signatures or printed copies.
When the instructions are unclear, send them with your document. The team can review the wording and help identify the most appropriate translation route before you place the order.
Information that helps confirm the correct service
- The authority, institution or company receiving the document
- The country where the translated document will be submitted
- The source language and required target language
- Any written certification, notarisation or legalisation instructions
- Your submission deadline and required delivery format
- Whether the authority needs an original, copy or digital submission
Certified translations, certified copies and apostilles are
different services. A certified translation confirms the
completeness and accuracy of translated text; a certified copy
confirms that a copy matches an original; an apostille authenticates
an eligible signature, stamp or seal.
Certified Translation Services
A full document translation accompanied by a signed certification statement confirming its accuracy and completeness.
Order a Certified TranslationCertified translation is commonly requested when a document written in another language must be submitted to a UK government department, university, employer, solicitor, regulated body or other organisation.
For UK visitor visa supporting documents, current GOV.UK guidance states that a full translation should contain confirmation that it accurately translates the original, the translation date, the translator’s full name and signature, and the translator’s contact details.
A certified translation may include
- The complete translated text
- Representation of readable stamps and annotations
- A signed certification statement
- The date of translation
- Identifying and contact details
The exact format should follow the receiving organisation’s
instructions. Do not assume that a standard UK certification
will automatically satisfy an authority in another country.
Notarised Translation Services
Additional notarial formalities for translations or certification declarations when specifically required.
Check Notarisation RequirementsA notarised translation normally adds a notarial step to the translation or certification process. The exact act may involve witnessing or verifying a relevant signature or declaration, depending on the authority’s instructions.
Notarisation should not be added automatically when a standard certified translation is sufficient. It can increase the steps, paperwork and time involved, so ask the receiving body whether it expressly requires a notary.
It may be requested for
- Documents submitted to an overseas authority
- International legal or commercial matters
- Property, probate or power-of-attorney procedures
- Applications requesting a notarised declaration
- Documents that will later be legalised
Confirm before ordering
- What exactly must be notarised
- Whether the original document must be presented
- Whether a physical signature is required
- Whether an apostille is also needed
- Which country and authority will receive it
A notary’s role and the required wording can vary. Supply the
receiving authority’s written instructions so the necessary
sequence can be checked before translation and notarisation begin.
Sworn Translation Services
Translation prepared under the formal system used by a country that appoints or authorises sworn translators.
Ask About Sworn TranslationThe United Kingdom does not use one universal state-appointed sworn-translator system. Other countries may require translations to be prepared or certified by a translator authorised by a court, ministry or other local body.
The correct translator, stamp, wording and submission method therefore depend on the destination country and the particular organisation receiving the document.
Sworn translation may be relevant when
- A foreign authority uses the term “sworn translator”
- A court-appointed translator is specifically required
- The document is being filed in another jurisdiction
- A consulate provides a list of accepted translators
- A locally recognised seal or declaration is mandatory
Information to provide
- The destination country
- The receiving court, ministry or authority
- The required language direction
- Any official template or wording
- The required original or copy format
“Certified” and “sworn” are not interchangeable in every country.
Confirm the exact local term and appointment requirement before
placing the order.
Apostille and Legalisation Support
Support for documents or eligible signatures that need authentication before being used in another country.
Discuss the Legalisation RouteAn apostille is not a translation certificate. For eligible UK documents, the Legalisation Office checks whether a signature, stamp or seal matches its records and, where appropriate, attaches an apostille.
The authority may require legalisation of the original document, a certified copy, a notarial declaration or another eligible document connected to the translation. The correct sequence should be established before work begins.
Questions to ask the authority
- Which document needs the apostille
- Whether translation comes before or after legalisation
- Whether a notarial step is required
- Whether consular legalisation is also needed
- Whether paper or electronic authentication is accepted
Common international uses
- Overseas civil-status procedures
- Marriage, divorce and family matters
- Education and professional recognition
- International business documentation
- Property, probate and legal procedures
The UK Legalisation Office cannot legalise documents issued
outside the UK. Documents issued abroad generally need to follow
the legalisation process of the country where they were issued.
Compare the service routes
Certified, Notarised, Sworn or Apostilled?
Use the receiving organisation’s instructions as the deciding factor. Similar documents can require different routes depending on the authority and destination country.
| Route | Main purpose | Often relevant for | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified translation | Confirms that the translated text is complete and accurate through a signed certification statement. | UK official, immigration, academic, legal, employment and administrative submissions. | Certification wording, identifying details, copy format and delivery requirements. |
| Notarised translation | Adds a requested notarial act relating to a signature, declaration or connected document. | Overseas authorities, international legal matters and documents requiring formal signature verification. | What must be notarised and whether the original document must be shown. |
| Sworn translation | Meets the formal translator-authorisation system used by the destination jurisdiction. | Courts, ministries and authorities in countries that appoint sworn or court-authorised translators. | The accepted translator status, stamp, wording and local submission procedure. |
| Apostille or legalisation | Authenticates an eligible UK public document, signature, stamp or seal for overseas use. | International civil, academic, business, property and legal procedures. | Which document must be authenticated and the correct order of translation, notarisation and legalisation. |
This table is general guidance and does not replace the written requirements of the organisation receiving your documents.
Documents and languages
Translation Support for Personal and Professional Documents
Services are available for commonly requested official documents across a wide range of languages. Send every relevant page, including visible stamps, seals and handwritten annotations.
Civil Certificates
Birth, marriage, death, divorce and civil-partnership documents.
Identity and Immigration
Passports, identity cards, driving licences, visas and immigration supporting evidence.
Academic Records
Degrees, diplomas, transcripts, school records and professional qualifications.
Legal Documents
Court papers, contracts, affidavits, powers of attorney, wills and notarial documents.
Financial and Medical
Bank statements, financial evidence, medical reports and supporting letters.
Business Documents
Company records, commercial agreements, reports and formal correspondence.
How to start
A Clear Route from Document Review to Delivery
Provide the full document and its intended use so the certification route can be reviewed before translation begins.
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Send Your Files
Upload or email a complete and readable scan, PDF or photograph of every relevant page.
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Confirm the Requirement
State the destination, receiving authority, language pair and any requested certification wording.
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Review the Quote
Check the proposed service route, cost, expected completion and delivery format before proceeding.
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Receive Your Translation
The translated document and agreed certification materials are prepared for the stated submission route.
Prepare your request
What to Send for an Accurate Service Review
Complete information reduces avoidable questions and helps the team distinguish between certification, notarisation, sworn translation and legalisation requirements.
- A clear and complete copy of every page, including relevant reverse sides
- The source language and the language required for the translation
- The authority, organisation or country receiving the document
- Any official email, checklist, template or certification wording
- Your deadline and whether a digital or physical submission is expected
- A preferred spelling reference for names, where transliteration may vary
- Confirmation of whether an original document or certified copy is involved
Useful official guidance
Check the Requirement Before You Submit
Translation and legalisation requirements can change between authorities and application routes. These resources help explain common UK certification and authentication requirements.
UK Supporting Documents
GOV.UK guidance explaining the information required on translations submitted with visitor visa supporting documents.
View the GOV.UK guidanceCertified Translation Practice
Joint professional guidance on certification practice endorsed by leading UK translation organisations.
Read the joint statementUK Document Legalisation
GOV.UK information on eligible UK documents, apostilles and the Legalisation Office process.
Read the legalisation guidanceQuestions customers often ask
Translation Service FAQs
The correct service depends on the document’s destination, purpose and receiving authority.
Need help with a specific instruction? Contact the translation team .
What is the difference between certified and notarised translation?
A certified translation includes a signed statement confirming that the translated text is accurate and complete. A notarised translation adds a requested notarial formality relating to a signature, declaration or connected document. Not every certified translation needs notarisation.
When do I need a sworn translation?
A sworn translation may be required when a foreign jurisdiction accepts only translations prepared or certified by translators formally authorised under its local legal system. Confirm the requirement with the receiving authority before ordering.
Is an apostille the same as translation certification?
No. Translation certification confirms the accuracy and completeness of translated text. An apostille is issued through the legalisation process to authenticate an eligible signature, stamp or seal on a UK document.
Which translation service is usually needed for UKVI?
UKVI and Home Office routes commonly require a full, verifiable translation containing an accuracy statement, translation date, translator’s full name and signature, and contact details. Check the guidance for your specific application because additional instructions may apply.
Can you translate birth and marriage certificates?
Birth and marriage certificates are among the civil documents supported by the website. Send a clear copy of every page and state where the translation will be submitted so the appropriate route can be reviewed.
Do you translate academic and legal documents?
The website provides translation support for academic, legal, immigration and business documents, including qualifications, transcripts, contracts, court papers and formal company records.
How do I receive a price and turnaround time?
Send a complete copy of the document together with the language pair, intended use, receiving authority and deadline. The quote can then reflect the document, certification route and requested delivery format.
Can I submit a photograph of my document?
A clear and complete photograph may be suitable for review. Keep the document flat and well lit, with all four corners, pages, stamps, seals and handwritten annotations visible.
What if the receiving authority has not explained what it needs?
Ask the authority to confirm the required certification, notarisation or legalisation route in writing. You can send any available instructions to the translation team for review, but the receiving authority makes the final decision on what it will accept.
Start your order
Send Your Documents and Confirm the Correct Service
Include the receiving authority, destination country, language pair, deadline and any written instructions. The documents can then be reviewed for the appropriate certified, notarised, sworn or legalisation route.