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Certified Translation FAQs (UK)
Everything you need to know about official document translation requirements in the United Kingdom.
General questions
A certified translation is a translated document accompanied by a signed statement from the translation company confirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document.
In the UK, this certification usually includes:
- A signed certification statement
- The company’s name and contact details
- The date of certification
- Company stamp (if applicable)
Certified translations are commonly required for official purposes such as immigration, education, legal matters, and employment.
You typically need a certified translation when submitting foreign-language documents to UK authorities or institutions.
Common examples include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage or divorce certificates
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Passports and identity documents
- Criminal record checks
- Bank statements
- Legal contracts
- Immigration documents (UKVI)
Yes. Amongst others, certified translations are widely accepted by:
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- HM Passport Office
- UK Courts and Tribunals
- HMRC
- DVLA
- Banks and Financial Institutions
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- General Register Office (GRO)
- Professional Regulators (GMC, NMC, GDC, SRA, etc.)
- Local Authorities and Councils
- Universities and colleges
- Employers
- Solicitors and legal bodies
The UK does not have a government licensing system for translators. Instead, certification by a professional recognised translation company is standard practice.
- The full translated document
- A certification statement confirming accuracy
- Translator or company signature
- Date of certification
- Company stamp (if applicable)
- Delivered as a PDF (Printed originals available if required)
No. In most cases, a clear scan or photo is sufficient. However, if notarisation or apostille is required, physical documents may sometimes be needed depending on the authority requesting them.
Standard documents typically take 3–5 working days. Our urgent service provides same-day or 24-hour turnaround (depending on document length). Large or complex legal documents may take longer.
Cost depends on document length, language pair, complexity, and urgency. Simple documents such as certificates are usually charged at a fixed rate, while longer documents are charged per word or per page.
Our professional translation services support over 100 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.
UKVI and immigration
Yes. UKVI requires certified translations that include confirmation of accuracy, company name, signature, contact details, and date of translation. AccuCert provides translations that meet these exact requirements.
Usually no. UKVI normally requires certified translations, not notarised translations. Notarisation is only required in specific cases or if explicitly requested.
Notarised translations
A notarised translation is a certified translation that has been formally verified by a Notary Public. The notary confirms the identity of the translation company and witnesses the certification signature, adding an additional level of legal authentication.
Notarised translations may be required for foreign authorities outside the UK, overseas legal proceedings, international property purchases, or marriage registrations abroad. Requirements vary by country.
The notary verifies the identity of the company representative and that the certification was properly signed. The notary does not verify the linguistic accuracy of the translation itself.
Usually not. Most UK authorities accept certified translations without notarisation. Notarisation is mainly required for international use.
Typically 1–3 working days, depending on notary availability.
Apostille (Legalisation)
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It confirms that a document or signature is genuine so that it is recognised internationally between Hague Convention member countries.
You may need an apostille when submitting documents abroad for immigration, marriage, employment, business, or property purchases.
It verifies the authenticity of the signature, the authority of the signer, and the official capacity of the signatory. It does not verify the content of the document.
Sometimes. Depending on the authority, the apostille may be applied to the original document, the notarised translation, or both. Requirements vary by country.
Standard service takes 5–10 working days, while express service takes 1–2 working days.
| Type | What it does | When needed |
|---|---|---|
| Certified | Confirms translation accuracy | UKVI, Courts, universities, employers, etc. |
| Notarised | Notary verifies translator identity | Foreign legal or official use |
| Apostille | Govt confirms signature authenticity | International government use |
Acceptance and validity
Certified translations do not expire. However, some authorities require recently issued translations, typically within the last 3–6 months.
Yes, but requirements vary by country. Some require certified only, while others require notarisation or apostilles.
Yes, if the handwriting is clear and legible.
Yes. Certified translations usually mirror the original document structure and formatting as closely as possible.
Yes. AccuCert follows strict confidentiality procedures and data protection standards in line with UK GDPR.
Ordering and delivery
The process is simple: 1. Send a scan or photo of your document. 2. Receive a quote and turnaround time. 3. Confirm the order. 4. Receive the certified translation by email or post.
You can choose between a PDF certified copy (most commonly accepted) or a printed and signed original by post.
Yes. Same-day and next-day services are available.
Yes. Multiple documents can be translated and certified as part of a single order.
Still have questions?
Our expert team is available to help clarify specific authority requirements.
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